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Highlander's Beloved #2

A Highlander's Passion

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As a bear-shifter in a pack roaming the Scottish countryside, Bryce Matheson embodies brute force and untamed abandon. As a widower, he's running scared. When Bryce attempted to open his scarred heart to another, she grew tired of waiting for him to state his intentions, and the unearthly beauty spurned him for someone who wasn't worthy. But now that fate has conspired to set Kenzie Denune free once again, Bryce vows to finally win her love.

Kenzie is a witch who summons her powers to protect those too weak to care for themselves. After surviving an abusive husband, she swears off men—even men like Bryce, whose iron muscles make her knees weak, and whose piercing eyes fill her with longing. Her life's purpose is to help others. However, dark forces have different plans for her gifts. To save herself, Kenzie must team up with the shifter who has always stirred her soul—and trust in a passion powerful enough to set her blood aflame.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2015

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289 people want to read

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Vonnie Davis

33 books187 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,676 reviews975 followers
December 24, 2015
~ 4.5 Highlander’s Passion Stars ~

A Highlander’s Passion is book two in the Highlander’s Beloved series by Vonnie Davis. Don’t miss out on the emotional journey through the hearts of a witch and bear shifter.

Oh Lordy, Ms. Davis had me hooked from the first page to the last. I could not put A Highlander’s Passion down. She had me laughing, crying, and doing both at the same time. So many emotions from heartache, sadness, joy, excitement, hope, surprises both good and bad; plus a good doses of humor and romance happen in this fantastic tail.

Bryce is our sexy bear shifter who has some commitment problems. Then their is Kenzie our Wiccan who has some deep trust issues. These two have a very big history together. I enjoy it when a couple has a history and you finally get to see them work things out and come together. Both Kenzie and Bryce have emotional scares from each other and others in their past to deal with. The history they have as well as the secrets, where hard to read, but so worth it to see them help heal each other and come together. The healing they go through was a journey in itself. One of my favorite parts is when they are saying goodbye to two little ones they lost and loved. You will know the moment I am talking about. Ms. Davies had me in tears it was so heartbreaking and thoughtful.

I enjoyed the secondary characters just as much as the leads. Grandma Effie is just a hoot. I loved her in A Highlander's Obsession and I feel in love with her all over again here. We get a few surprises from her. Things we may not have known we learn. I love how she brings humor to the story and her free-spirt. Colleen, Bryce’s daughter, was just adorable. I loved this kid. The things she said and did where great. One of my favorite part’s with her was at the end. Oh sweet heaven help me her speech she did had me laughing so hard I was in tears. That child is just too adorable.

A few things I noticed/bothered me:
Why do authors feel the need to give extra names to characters? It get’s to be confusing. The Wiccan’s in this story have their birth name, then when they become Wiccan they are bestowed two additional names, which are their Wiccan names. Then we have Effie giving Kenzie a nickname. Now that I can see, but with all the names it’s just a little to confusing.

The other thing that got to me was how Fauste got his hands on Kenzie so easily. Everyone knows she is in danger from him and they are very big on family and protection, so why did she not have an escort/protection with her when she was walking around. It made no sense to me that they would not have her be with someone when Fauste is out to get her.

I loved A Highlander’s Passion. What is not to love. We have some very sexy Highlander bear shifters, great fun loving characters, and a sweet romance. After reading this one I felt the need to go back and re-read book one again as well as this one. It was that good. I can’t wait for more books in this series.

Disclaimer: ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

angelsgp-seethisreview-blure
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
January 18, 2015
I think I loved this book more than the first one just a tad. Kenzie her thoughts are of those of a woman who is horny, "when did he get these tattoos on his pecs? Dinna look at his chest. His face. Look at his face, Kenzie, for God's sake!" Someone is in denial. Kenzie I think her mind wanders at times, "get off me, ye worthless excuse for a man." His erection poked her abdomen and angered her all the more. How dare he? "Are ye naked beneath yer kilt?" Effie she is hands down my favorite character of this series, if Vonnie ever kills her off I'll be upset, "you ought to be smiling. After all, you're going to dinner with six feet of hard muscle. My Morris, bless his heavy-hung manhood, was a muscular man too." Colleen Bryce's daughter was another favorite she was just so innocent and the things that came out of her mouth. As the book goes on you see Kenzie warm up and loosen up and those were my favorite scenes, "och, so I'm not to tell her ye wore a pink towel around yer naked hips with yer pe**er tenting it like a wee toad under a blanket?" Bryce you interrupt his naughty time and he turns into a bear of a man, "get the bloody hell out! Canna a man have a effin' climax without an audience?" I'm eagerly waiting for the next book.
Author 42 books90 followers
January 28, 2015
Ms. Davis has a way with words. I love the first book in this series and the second book did not let me down. The youngest brother Bryce, was hinted at in the first book. Now we get to hear and see his story. Although this story has some serious undertones, Ms. Davis adds her humor at every twist and turn she can. I love getting lost in the highlands. Bryce is HOT and some of the scenes are smoldering. Oh to be Kenzie.

Kenzie is a contrast to the first books lighthearted feel. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this. She is a strong woman who has made it out of an abusive relationship and isn't going to let it define her. It does however make her see the world in a tainted way.
Bryce is hell bent on getting her to see the good in the world and protect her. I say let him. As always, the men are hot. Gram is still a nut, but she is a nut with purpose.

Overall, if you loved book one this is a must read. The story is suspenseful with a little witchcraft, the good kinds mostly. The love story is believable and you can feel the pain that Kenzie endured and why she made some poor decisions in her past. You love Bryce for his ability to admit to his own mistakes and the sweet way he helps Kenzie heal from her pains. It can be read alone too, but I don't know why you would want to miss A Highlanders Obsession. I can't get enough of these kilted warriors.
89 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2015
Fook-this was a great book! I loved the Scottish words and way of talk. I fell in love with Creighton and Paisley in the first book-and Bryce and Kenzie's story was just as thrilling, just as sexy, and just as breathtaking! I love the shifting and paranormal aspects, the plot kept my heat racing and my eyes welled up with tears a few times. I love the happy ending- no cliffhangers here! I cannot wait to read Ronan's story. and find out what happens with horny old Effie!
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews45 followers
April 5, 2015
Kenzie has sworn off men but when dark forces set their sights on Kenzie, she’ll have to team up with bear-shifter Bryce Matheson in this exciting paranormal romance.

Kenize has survived her abusive ex-husband, sworn off men, uses her powers to protect and heal and she doesn’t need Bryce stirring up desires best left forgotten but not only does he stir them up, Bryce sets her passions aflame which leads to some hot steamy encounters. The reader can’t help but be taken in by these strong compelling characters while they struggle with their pasts and their desires. All the characters in the story have lots of charisma and come together with such a vibrant intensity that they support each other’s personalities which add a large ‘family’ atmosphere to the story and add lots of depth.

The well written scenes bring the story to life white spine tingling anticipation builds as evil comes calling and the danger to Kenzie escalates and secrets of Kenzie’s past are revealed. The fast paced and smooth flowing plot captivates readers with lots of suspense, excitement and romance while the setting adds that little something extra that makes a story magical.

The author has created a fascinating world of shifters and magic with some interesting and different elements and charming characters that I couldn’t help but fall in love with. There are two special characters that really steal the heart and that’s Effie, a pink haired older lady with her own special charm and a precious little angel that twists everyone of the character around her little fingers. I was completely bewitched by this story from the very beginning, and I especially loved the happy, heartwarming conclusion and I have to say I can’t wait to find out what the author has in store for Ronan who swears he will never let a female win his heart.
33 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2015
Vonnie Davis has penned one of the best Highlander paranormal novels I've read in years! It will make you laugh and it will make you cry, but in the end you'll be glad you read it!!
Kenzie Denune is a troubled Scottish lass who married her late husband Duncan on the rebound from her best friend/love of her life Bryce Matheson when she realized she was pregnant with Bryce's child and he'd just dumped her. When Kenzie married Duncan, she thought she had found a man who would love her and the child she carried, but it only took weeks for her to realize she made a huge mistake. After she miscarried Bryce's child thanks to Duncan's beating, she thought things couldn't get worse - until they did. Pregnant again by Duncan this time, she is not prepared for Duncan's jealous rage and his belief that the child is not his - nor is she prepared for the beating he inflicts on her because in his mind she must have cheated on him. When she ends up in the hospital again for the second time in months with another child lost to her, she angrily speaks words she's heard her Aunt Una (who's a witch) chant in the past. The next day, her husband is dead and Kenzie is full of guilt because she thinks it's her fault Duncan is dead.She's also just realizing that she is Wiccan too. As if all that wasn't enough to deal with, Bryce Matheson is back saying he wants another chance with her.
Bryce Matheson is all about taking care of his family and his clan - no matter which form it takes - man or bear shifter. He and Kenzie had been the best of friends until he met his wife Miranda, but Miranda felt threatened by his friendship with Kenzie so he set aside their friendship and focused on Miranda. After Miranda's death, feeling lonely and needing a friend other than his precocious 5 year old daughter, he sought out Kenzie and slowly their relationship changed from friendship to a more intimate relationship. However, Bryce is filled with guilt because his feelings for Kenzie are growing and he feels he's being unfaithful to Miranda, so once again he pushes Kenzie away - right into the path of brutal Duncan. When news reaches him of Kenzie's latest hospitalization due to a beating from Duncan and the loss her child, Bryce realizes what a mistake he made in pushing Kenzie away. He also knows the loss of her child will be the hardest part in the healing process for Kenzie, but he's determined to be there for her and to pick up their relationship where they left off.
Kenzie has been through too much to trust a man easily - especially when that man is Bryce and he's already pushed her out of his life twice before. Can she really afford to give Bryce another shot at her heart? What would Bryce say if he knew she was Wiccan? Would he want her back then? And what about Aunt Una's warning that something bad is coming? Will Bryce and his family still accept her if she brings danger to their doorstep? You'll just have to read to find out.
Profile Image for Lori Meehan.
1,134 reviews
April 4, 2015
4.5*
This is book two in the Highlander's Beloved series by Vonnie Davis and so worth the wait. This is the second book that I've read by Ms. Davis the first being book one that I loved and fell for Laird Creighton Matheson and Paisley so I couldn't wait to read Bryce Matheson's HEA.
Kenzie Denune has loved Bryce since the day she met him. They were the best of friends until the day Bryce meets Miranda and slowly slips away from Kenzie. Bryce and Miranda marry when she becomes pregnant and so Bryce's life is turned up side down when his daughter Colleen is born and Miranda dies. Bryce vows never to love another for the memory of his wife. Soon Kenzie and Bryce slip into each other's heart again only to have Bryce break her heart by putting an end to it. Bryce can't get passed the guilt he feels for loving another. Heartbroken she falls for a man full of false words of hope and comfort. Duncan soon showed his true colors as an abusive, drunk/addict who beat Kenzie to the point of miscarriage and hospitalized. Bryce vows that day to win Kenzie back.
Since the miscarriage Kenzie has come in to her Wiccan powers and emboldens her to live her life even if it's alone. Bryce's bear demands he take Kenzie but the man knows he has a lot of ground to make up. Bryce breaks through all her barriers and shows her how a real Scot treats his woman and that he is truly in it for life. Just as they work through their shared grief and start on the road forever Effie drops the next bomb. All is not as it seems and there's a terrifying evil man after Kenzie who could take everything away from her. Again. Will she except Bryce's protection or run to keep him and the family she's come to think as hers safe?
Bryce is the hottest most silver tounged highlander charmer that I've read about in a long time. He is sexy and alpha as all h$ll and I loved every minute of it. Kenzie has been through h$ll and back so she's guarded and so scared to let Bryce in again. She is strong and so sad that you can't help but cheer for her.
Colleen is a sassy, intelligent and inquisitive child that loves everyone and is just as much of a charmer that her Da is. The things she said and did will have your heart in two pieces and laughing out load the next. She is one of the shining stars of the secondary characters right along with Effie, Paisley's grandma. She has such a naughty side to her. She is such a stitch.


Profile Image for Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder).
2,233 reviews
March 29, 2015
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

First off, honestly, I am partial to wolf shifters. That said, this clan of Scottish bear shifters has won over my heart. I really enjoyed book 1 in this series, A Highlander’s Obsession, by Vonnie Davis. Book 2 does not disappoint! The characters are all familiar; like a family reunion. The whole Matheson clan shows up. As with all close knot families, they know how to push each other's buttons. Humor is peppered throughout the story. Crazy grandma, Effie Monroe plays a major role in this book. We also see a lot more of Bryce's precociuos daughter, Colleen. This story tells us how Bryce Matheson and Kenzie Denune come to have their HEA.

Bryce and Kenzie have known each other since they were young children. Kenzie has always loved Bryce. Both of them travelled different paths for awhile, but their hearts remained tied to each other. I love a second chance love story and this one is just about perfect! I found myself laughing, cheering and tearing up all within a matter of pages. No spoilers for this review, as I want you to be able to experience the emotion first hand. You will love the sexy, kilt wearing Bryce. Kenzie’s story will amaze you. Such a strong woman after a very painful past. I suspect she has yet to come into her full powers. Ms. Davis writes in a manner that grabs the reader’s attention and takes you along for a ride. The book contains a lot of Scottish dialect. I found it added to the setting of the story and helped me get to know the characters better. Fair warning for those of you who don’t like to stumble over unfamiliar words while reading. If you need and afternoon to just get lost in a good book, pick up Highlander’s Passion. Looking forward to the third and final book, the third brother, Ronan’s story---A Highlander’s Heart.
Profile Image for Deb Sisler.
72 reviews12 followers
July 9, 2020
I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.

Bryce and Kenzie were friends throughout their childhood friends and eventually sweethearts. As with many young romances, they split. Bryce married and had a little girl. His wife passed away. Now he wants Kenzie back.
Kenzie eventual death of her husband. Bryce takes the steps to rekindle what they once had shared together.
Gram plays a part in revealing secrets to Kenzie that keep her from making a choice with Bryce. She has secrets that need to be shared with him as well.
The story itself had many laugh out loud funny parts in it. It also had some where my heart broke for these two characters. (kleenex is needed)
Vonnie, did a grand job of bringing Kenzie and Bryce together and sharing their story with the world. I look forward to reading the next Highland Adventure. Congratulations Vonnie.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
March 27, 2015
Grab a couple tissues, you’ll need them for the tears running from laughter as well as high octane emotions. What could be better than a hot guy in a kilt? How about if said hot guy is a bear-shifter? Bryce is a widower, and the very thought of becoming involved with another woman sends him running in fear. Kenzie is Wiccan, and her heart has firmly belonged to Bryce since they were children, she does everything but serve herself up as the main course, and still, Bryce resists committing to her. How long is a girl supposed to wait? After a disastrous marriage filled with pain, Kenzie is free again, but will Bryce notice? When will he leave his demons behind and learn to live and love again? Is Fate playing another cruel joke? Has Kenzie’s recent past made her equally gun shy? Her goal now is to help those who need it most, but has she forgotten about her needs?

A Highlander’s Passion by Vonnie Davis will take you back to the Scottish Highlands, complete with the dialogue to match, so brush up on your brogue or there WILL be a language barrier! Her writing paints each scene with a life-like touch. The characters are unique and you are going to love Effie with her sharp wit and clever lines! She brings lightness to this tale that is priceless! High tension passion, tough Highlanders, equally tough women, and the power of love. Winner takes all, the Highlander way.

I received an ARC edition from Random House - Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Highlander's Beloved - Book 2
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN: 9780553394641
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Print Length: 257 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com


403 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2015
God, poor Kenzie! I'm with his Mum on this.

TMI, Effie.

Omigod, I was so sad when Bryce and Kenzie had the naming ceremony. Tissues, people. You'll need them.

Colleen is adorable.

Grey's Anatomy has got nothing on these two.

Snort-laugh for Colleen's verra informative speech.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
May 24, 2015
4 - "I've got all the therapy this man needs." Stars!

Book two in the Highlanders Beloved series pretty much takes off where book one finished. Creigh and Paisley are happily settled into wedded bliss, and now it is Bryce’s turn to rectify the mistakes he made when he gave up Kenzie Denune just over a year previous.

”What’s past is past and lost forever.”

Although he wasn’t too know, just how difficult life would be for her after their parting, Bryce feels deep and unrelenting guilt about how things turned out for Kenzie. Now a widow, and after miscarrying the child she was pregnant with at her violent husbands hands, Kenzie is a broken, untrusting and bitter woman, and Bryce sets out to win back her heart, and rebuild her shattered trust in him, men and life in general.



The story of the Matheson Clan moves forward as well in this second book, the bear shifters have dealt with the issues that were present in the first book, but the Wiccan aspect of the story takes more of a step to the forefront as well in this one, witches and warlocks are abound to Mathe Bay, and the battle for supremacy is going to be fierce.

”Tis odd how what starts out bad can end up so fukin’ good.”

Vonnie Davis has grabbed me completely with this series; I wasn’t in all honesty expecting to get drawn into the Matheson Family, their neighbors and the adventures that ensure as completely as I have. She has tried to inject a certain authenticity into the writing by pretty much offering all of the dialogue from the Scottish characters in a way that in your head actually sounds Scottish, I really enjoyed it, but if you are not one for that sort of writing you may find it a bit of a struggle.

"I want to be ye guiding star."

A Highlanders Passion would have been a five star read for me, but for two issues, I struggled with Bryce’s daughters characterization; in that supposed age versus voice and actions didn't completely match-up, and Kenzie’s knee jerk reactions towards a man that pretty much did everything he could to prove to her his true feelings just went on a little too long for me. Yes I understood that she had been hurt in the past, and badly, but I got to a point in the story after a pretty epic fight, where she once again accuses him of being untrustworthy and potentially unfaithful to her for the nth time, and it was one time too many for me. Bryce's actions spoke a lot louder than words (and believe me there were a LOT of words), but she kept choosing not to see (or hear) them.

There is still great humor in this one, I laughed a lot, the Matheson men seem to struggle to keep their bits and pieces from staying out of trouble and under their kilts! A few tears again, and Effie, with her one liners is turning out to be an unforgettable addition to the mix as a whole.



I am a little sad that we have to wait until October for the next book in the series, A Highlanders Heart, Ronan’s story, is certainly one I am looking forward too, and I am sure will be another stellar addition to the series.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
2,728 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2015
Alternately funny and heart warming, I enjoyed these two crazy kids finally falling in love and accepting each other, shifter-ness and witchiness included.
Profile Image for Terri Rochenski.
Author 13 books171 followers
February 12, 2015
Once again, Ms. Davis delivers amazing, real-life characters to fall in love with! The perfect touch of humor and heat - it's almost a near perfect story.

Almost - this 2nd installment in the Highlanders Beloved series fell a tad bit short of the phenomenal A Highlander's Obsession for me. For two reasons, really, but only 1 of which decided the deduction of a star.

Passion is all about two Scots, so naturally they have accents, but it was too much for me, often making my eyes snag and my mind tumble over sentences. This is a personal preference, though. At least Ms. Davis stayed true to the characters!!

The 2nd, is a believability issue. How to explain without spoilers...

'Someone' is after Kelsie, our heroine, and shows up unexpectedly with really NO way to stop him. After the first encounter when he tries to abduct Kelsie, the Mathesons all vow to protect, guard, etc, Bryce's love. However - with the severity of the situation (life / death) Kelsie is left alone a few times, when the Mathesons I've come to know would NEVER allow such a thing until the 'someone' is dealt with for good.

And one last gripe - the climax scene lasted all of a paragraph or two. I was totally bummed!!!!! Granted, due to magic, that moment HAD to happen quickly but I wanted more heart-pounding, nail biting, 'how will they do it?!?'.

Would I recommend this 2nd installment? Heck yes! I adore Ms. Davis' writing and her characters. Can't wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Carmella.
670 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2015
This story is about Kenzie and Bryce. They were the best of friends growing up. Bryce marries but his wife dies in childbirth. Kenzie has always loved him. About 3 years after his wife's death, Bryce and Kenzie start to see one another but he can't commit to her as he feels he is being unfaithful to his wife. Kenzie then marries another man and experiences abuse and violence. She also becomes a widower.

Bryce realizes how he really feels about Kenzie and begs her forgiveness but Kenzie has been through too much to trust him. He swears he won't give up until she is with him.

Oh...did I say Bryce was a bear shifter and Kenzie was Wiccan? LOL.

I would give this book a 4.5. I have read other books by this author and always enjoyed them. The characters are well developed. Some of the characters in this book are hysterical, like Effie. I love the humor in the writing!

I thought the part where Kenzie's father comes into her life is very rushed. I think this could of been more thorough.

This book is well worth your money!

Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
Profile Image for WildAboutBones.
328 reviews29 followers
February 2, 2015
A Highlander's Passion by Vonnie Davis

There was much to like about this story, but unfortunately there are several problems with it as well.

I very much appreciate the glossary of characters at the beginning. The story is laugh out loud funny through much of the tale. Effie, a secondary character, is a hoot. She is the comic relief as well as emotional support for the heroine. Young Colleen, another secondary character, is such a wonderful, precocious addition to the story. The plot is a good one, and this was a quick read.

Scottish accents are great in dialogue or character thoughts, but this story unfortunately also has it in the narrative which is just too much. The author also needs to decide how each character pronounces certain words and stick to it. The hero says a certain 18+ word, three different ways. Different characters can say it different, but each character should say it consistently for his personality.

In the dialogue, the Scottish characters were constantly making references to Scottish this and that or being Scottish. National pride is one thing, but people just don’t throw their nationality around as much as these characters did in the dialogue. We know they are Scottish & in Scotland; don’t beat us over the head with it. Additionally the dialogue seemed stilted or Pollyanna sometimes, and other times the subject matter came out of left field, almost as if something was edited out, and the rest of the conversation wasn’t checked for relevance.

I never felt like I could picture the main characters because every few chapters, we’d learn something new about their appearance. You can’t wait until halfway through the story to throw in something like “his braid fell across her shoulder as he leaned down.” Didn’t know he wore his hair braided.

Sometimes it felt like I’d just been dumped into the story because there are a lot of things mentioned that occurred before the story starts, but at the same time, I didn't feel lost just a little out of sorts. I’m not referring to things obviously in a previous unread book. I’m talking of things germane to this story.

Many of the scene transitions are jarring. The characters would be doing one thing, and suddenly they’d be doing something else. This may have been a formatting issue in the ARC, but I’m inclined to think not.

Several times when referring to the shifters, the word “human” was used. Shifters are not humans, even in this story. They have a human form and an animal form so to refer to them as human was confusing. “People” would be fine, but not “humans”.

Lastly, the final confrontation with the villain was anticlimactic after all the buildup to how powerful and dangerous he was. Especially since the previous encounters with him didn’t turn out so well for the hero and heroine.

Even with all the things wrong with the story, I still enjoyed it thanks to the hysterical antics of some of the characters. I will definitely be trying another book in the series.
Profile Image for Jen.
130 reviews
February 13, 2015

This book has all my favorite things in it, magic, shifters, Highlanders, and super strong female lead along with a super alpha male!

This book was a delight to read, I can't wait to read more from this author, I didn't read book one, but I will be going back now to read it for sure. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in adventure, excitement mixed in with an amazing love story that will touch your heart and make you cry, it sure made me cry like a baby. ( A whole box of tissues) It touches on some very serious topics, but the author handles them with grace and understanding. The characters capture your heart from the get go! You wish that you could be part of such an amazing family with so much love and understanding! Don't get me started on the fantastic love scenes.... So hot, steamy and incredibly sexy!

Bryce is our hero in our story he is a strong willed, sexy as hell bear shifter. He loves the ladies and the ladies love him. He lost the his 1st love 5 years ago, during childbirth. Bryce has a beautiful daughter named Colleen who is 5 and has no filter and is determined to have a new mum! Bryce and Kenzie grew up together and have been friends for years, after the death of his wife, he started dating Kenzie, but after a year or so he told her he would always love his dead wife and he did not have room in his heart for Kenzie. He broke her heart, she went and married someone else.

Kenzie lost her heart to Bryce, but she was determined to not let him know how much he hurt her, so she went out and started dating again. She meets her husband they married and that's when the beating started, they did not end until the day her husband died. Kenzie told no one she was too strong to let them know, but one night Duncan beat her so bad that she was in the hospital, Bryce stayed with her all night. That's when Bryce realized his mistake.

The dynamic that Kenzie and Bryce have is truly breathtaking, almost overwhelming at times.

I would rate this book 4 out 5 fangs!

Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
Profile Image for Sheila Kell.
Author 31 books658 followers
February 8, 2015
Kenzie Denune survived a broken heart after Bryce Matheson broke off things between them because he felt guilty that he cheated on the love he had for his deceased wife. On the rebound, Kenzie winds up in an abusive marriage. Single and alone, she is hired by Effie who informs Kenzie that she is a witch bound to protect others and her new boss was there to train her. This shocking revelation isn’t her only one. Bryce regrets his decision and wants things to be forever. But can she trust him again only to have him walk away when his guilt surfaces?

He begins to break through her closed heart and then dark magic tries to interfere with Kenzie finally leading a normal, healthy life. It takes her, a saucy witch and the entire Matheson bear-shifting clan to fight this battle and save her.

This is a heart-tugging and heart-warming, humorous, sexy read that has you wanting to jump into the story to support them during danger, laugh at their antics and cry over their pain. Well-developed characters bring this to life with a realistic love story that involves heartbreak, regret, fear and a deep, burning love. Bryce is a hot piece that loves with fierceness that makes you love him all the more. You’ll find yourself rooting for him and his adorable daughter, Colleen.

Read as a stand-alone, it is a great follow up in the series. I look forward to the next book. Something tells me that Ronan is in for an eye-waking surprise. Well done, Vonnie Davis. You’ve made my short one-click list!

Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shakera.
849 reviews13 followers
April 12, 2015
This book is hot! If it's even possible... hotter than the first one! I couldn't put it down. Although hysterical, it's also a tear jerker... so have tissues handy when reading this one! This story shows what it's like to try and win back the love you should have never let go! Bryce and Kenzie are like magnets... they will always be drawn to one another... and when they are together, expect fireworks! (But you just have to figure out... is it good fireworks or no?) This was great!
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
April 7, 2015
A great shifter story. Bryce, a bear shifter and Kenzie a witch grew up together and Kenzie has loved him since they were children. Bryce fell for another and Kenzie tried to move on but now that they are both free again will love bloom? Funny, sexy and entertaining read. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the chemistry between Bryce and Kenzie. The story held my interest throughout. Enjoy!
1,814 reviews76 followers
April 7, 2015
wow what a fantastic book!!! Could hardly put the book down and would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Profile Image for Didi.
1,535 reviews86 followers
August 21, 2015
2.75 stars

This story bounced ups down so many times it made me dizzy. It started on a pretty high notes for me (Scotland, highlander, that sexy burr, the humour, the banter, the heroine's sass, the crazy new boss, lynx guardian, bear-shifters and witches... yes, there's a lot about this book that I loved!) but then they started to get repetitive, cheesy, then too much. Ups and downs, over and over it went.

As the story set in Scotland with some Scottish characters, the narration and conversation put according to their accents. I had no objection to this whatsoever - I adore their accents, see. However, this was the first time I read the characters take pride of their Scot nationality the way these brothers (the Mathesons) talked - I agree on WildAboutBones account about that HERE. On a modern setting like this, their antics were too bizarre a practice IMHO.

The MCs... I loved Bryce, I did. He's this over six feet hunk of a braided ginger-haired highlander with a penchant of wearing his kilt and nothing else, anywhere - even for riding horse sans saddle (Yesss, there's that nuts and handle flashy scene); got a great sense of humour, charming, possessive, and loved his family. But gosh he's stubborn and the way he talked to Kenzie was often way too crash to my liking. I also felt he hadn't done enough groveling for Kenzie to forgive him. He shoulda grovel more!

As for Kenzie... I tried to like her character. She's a survivor of abusive marriage, monster of a da, and a supposedly talented and powerful wiccan! And I could understand her reluctant to take Bryce back - once bitten twice shy and the whole enchilada- but girl, the way that indecisiveness of yours bouncing:
I trust him. I trust him not. I trust him. I trust him not. He loves me. He won't stay faithful. I should leave the family to keep them save. I shall stay... on and on and on the repetition pawed at my patience!! Seriously? They gave me headache!!!

The love scenes between these two were also soo mouthy. I'm not a fan of vocal and loud sex scene, so I thought theirs were a tad on the cheesy side and too bawdy.

I liked humor in a story but some of the scenes were a bit over the top for me, like the one . I also didn't think the five year old acted and talked her age - it felt too made up to be hilariously funny.

Last but not least, Fauste, the oh so powerful villain they all so feared of. Even when they bemoaning over his vile and dangerous power, I don't think they took him (Fauste) seriously. Were they any precaution made to prevent him got to Kenzie? No. They said she had to to hear her mother's account on the tape - but did Kenzie finish watching the tape? No. Even after the attack that put some of them in the hospital, they went with their lives as they were... which led to his father easily snatched Kenzie! **head-desk** And the final confrontation?? After the way Fauste being described as very powerful and difficult to defeat, the last “battle” was anticlimactic and just too damn easy.

All in all, this was an entertaining humorous read, but personally I think this story could be trimmed a bit. I always had a soft spot for Highlander story, even ranting away (privately) all the way to the end of the pages.

Note: ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
January 28, 2015
I took a chance on this book primarily based on its title, thinking foolishly that it was an atypical Scottish Highlands historical romance, I should probably have scanned the blurb a little because what I got was my first ever experience of the bear-shifter and wiccan paranormal thread with plenty of gorgeous Scottish men, Scottish colloquialism, Scottish scenery and Scottish heroine Wiccan’s. I. Was. In. Heaven. Or at least the Highlands which to me, is pretty damn close.
This book drags you in to it from that first comedic moment when Bryce, our gruff and handsome protagonist is trailing a tree stump out of the ground and causing some misconstrued and hilarious words to froth forth from his devilish mouth. There is plenty more laughter and innuendo and girlish giggles to be had throughout A Highlander’s Passion but with the comedy comes the tragedy to balance it all out and there is plenty of breath stealing agonisingly emotional scenes as Kenzie Denune, our tough-on-the-outside but fighting a losing battle with her past on in the inside heroine struggles through a tumult of grief and buried secrets that could not only hurt those around her but cause herself to unravel and dismiss the one thing that she has always wanted and longed for.
Bryce and Kenzie have a long and entangled past together so it would do no good if I went and spoiled the whole story for the next reader but just know this, their past has sadness and anger embedded in it and as such has negative consequences on their future together. The story may have supernatural elements linked in to it but at the heart of this tale, it���s about absolution for wrongs done, it’s about acceptance, letting go and ultimately about love and family and the power behind all that. The absolute scene stealer of this book however has to be eccentric American Effie.
“Now, stop scowling. Your face will freeze like that.” She cupped Kenzie’s cheek with her cool hand. “You ought to be smiling. After all, you’re going to dinner with six feet of hard muscle. My Morris, bless his heavy-hung manhood, was a muscular man too.”
As well as a beautiful ‘reconnecting’ love story there is a good dramatic climax brought on by Kenzie’s mysterious past and it’s these lies and intrigues that will put her life and everyone around her in danger from a dark sinister force. If you love a good Scottish burr in your hero and a strong female to lead the way, with a good strong supernatural arc and plenty of naughty scenes then have at it, this is the book for you. I took away one star simply for the fact that it takes a chapter or two to get in to the way of reading the Scottish language how it’s pronounced, I realise the author was going for authenticity in her characters but it can be a bit distracting when every other word is ‘ken’.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews28 followers
March 25, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book

Highlander's Passion is a typical romance.. Boy meets girl, boy and girl grow up together as best friends. Boy is a boy shifter and turns out.. girl is a witch. But it seems they too have it hard. The boy being the cad that he is falls for another girl and leaves girl out in the cold. Then when he becomes a widower and starts falling for the girl.. he gets cold feet and leaves her all alone again. Jerk...

Highlander's Passion is book two in Vonnie Davis' Highlander's Beloved Trilogy and yes once again I am reading out of order.. grrr. But it's worth the read.

Kenzie Denune has been best friends with Bryce Matheson as far back as she can remember. Best friends that is until Bryce fell in love with a girl who was jealous of their relationship so Kenzie was left out in the cold. Then a few years after his wife died, leaving him a widower, Bryce and Kenzie tried dating... Feeling guilty, Bryce told Kenzie that he was too in love with his dead wife, ending their relationship and sending Kenzie into rebound hell. She married a local boy just returned from the service, ends up he was an abusive jerk and beat Kenzie almost to death, causing her to loose her unborn child. Now after all that, Bryce has decided he was wrong and he wants a chance with Kenzie.. And she's supposed to just say, sure ok.. no worries? Yeah that is so not gonna happen.

Bryce Mattheson is the third son in a family of bear shifters. Each has their own talents and skills just like any other family but they have that whole bear thing going on. After realizing that he totally blew it with Kenzie, he will do anything to get her to forgive him. Only he discovers that there is way more for her to forgive than he realizes.

There is so much more to Kenzie and Bryce than either of them know. It seems their shared childhood hides secrets and Kenzie is not who either of them thinks she is. Well, she is but she's way more...

It's a great premise and a fun story but there are some sticking points. At times the book seems forced and the interactions between characters has a stiffness to them. Even occasionally a caricature to them. It doesn't quite distract from the story but it does bring it down to a three star review. A solid read, fun even but not quite there.

I am still going to recommend it because I did enjoy it. I do find the entire arc, like I said, a solid read.. and fun and creative.. and the good vs evil factor has some decided twists and turns..

I look forward to book three.. ok, and book one..

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of A Highlander's Passion, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on April 7, 2015
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,957 reviews128 followers
January 23, 2016
Book Info
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: April 7th 2015 by Loveswept
ASIN B00N6PD78S
series Highlander’s Beloved #2
other editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS


Two of the wildest hearts in Scotland fight for their destiny in this searing-hot romance, sure to be devoured by fans of Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series and Shelly Laurenston’s Pride Stories.

As a bear-shifter in a pack roaming the Scottish countryside, Bryce Matheson embodies brute force and untamed abandon. As a widower, he’s running scared. When Bryce attempted to open his scarred heart to another, she grew tired of waiting for him to state his intentions, and the unearthly beauty spurned him for someone who wasn’t worthy. But now that fate has conspired to set Kenzie Denune free once again, Bryce vows to finally win her love.

Kenzie is a witch who summons her powers to protect those too weak to care for themselves. After surviving an abusive husband, she swears off men—even men like Bryce, whose iron muscles make her knees weak, and whose piercing eyes fill her with longing. Her life’s purpose is to help others. However, dark forces have different plans for her gifts. To save herself, Kenzie must team up with the shifter who has always stirred her soul—and trust in a passion powerful enough to set her blood aflame.

My Thoughts


This is about second chances, second chance for happiness, also for love and family that has been longed for by both Bryce and Kenzie for many years.

As children the pair were inseparable, until Bryce met the first love of his life Miranda and at that point the friendship that may have blossomed into more with Kenzie was forgotten,

After Bryce lost his wife when she birthed their daughter he found himself grief stricken, so deeply mourning Miranda that he closed himself off from everyone but his baby girl for a very long time.

Kenzie had loved Bryce since childhood, when he finally found his way to approaching her as more than a friend she was over the moon until the day he broke her heart when he told her he felt like it was wrong for them to be happy together as it betrayed his deceased wife.

She moved on and married another man, a man who swore he would love her as well as take care of her. Her husband Duncan broke every promise he made on their wedding day, his abuse led her to the conclusion that no man was trustworthy.

Now widowed years later Kenzie is once again finding herself being sought after by Bryce, the only problem is she had her heart trampled upon twice and has no intention of letting it happen again.

As Bryce and Kenzie slowly work through the heartache from the past their previous turbulent chemistry once again takes them to heights of ecstasy, a brilliant promise for a glorious future together raising young Colleen and if lucky having children together as well.

The future together however becomes uncertain when a threat to Kenzie comes calling, a threat that will take her life if not stopped.

This story was filled with a lot of laughs provided by both Kenzie’s employer/mentor Effie Monroe and young Colleen Matheson who is Bryce’s daughter. Their is also suspense, tension, sensual heat, and a lot of drama both before and after the relationship between Bryce and Kenzie becomes fully realized.

At the end there is a much awaited and much anticipated joyful conclusion to a turbulent paranormal romance.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
April 22, 2015
Five fun loving stars for " A Highlander's Passion" , Ms. Davis once again has penned a fun and witty romance with a paranormal edge that is impossible to put down .
Ths second book inthe series is a second chance romance ; Bryce Matheson is Bear shifter and a single widowed father of five year old Colleen ; and is this little one a precocious ball of energy that you can not help but smile or laugh at through the story.
Kenzie Denune, is a long time freind and x- girlfreind of Bryce's since childhood , recently widowed several months ago.
As young children the two of them were inseparable until Bryce's first wife Miranda moved to the area and he had nothing but eyes for her, when Miranda passed and Bryce thought he was over her loss , he and Kenzie started dating but when he realized he was falling in love with Kenzie , he allowed a sense of false guilt to take over and pushed Kenzie away, unfortunately that sent her right in the arms of Duncan.
Duncan at first seemed perfect until after they married and he started beating Kenzie further diluting her trust in men, so know months later after Duncan's death and the loss of the baby he beat from her womb, can anyone blame poor Kenzie for not trusting any man. Kenzie is determined to get out of the apartment that she use to share with Duncan, the memories are too much for her so when Effie , Paisley Matheson's grandmother advertises for a live in companion , she is determined to interview for it , but fate and her little car have other ideas she is forced to ride her bike to,the interview and directly into the path of Bryce; , can this randy man not keep it in his pants, really in broad daylight on the side of the road ?
Back muscles undulated with every thrust.
" Bloody hell. Come for me . Come ""

Of course when not paying attention to the road and falling head over heels off your bicycle right into the very randy man's path is a given.; but for Bryce tumbling on the ground and winding up with Kenzie underneath him at his mercy is like manna from heaven .
To say the least situations like this abound throughout the book , Effie hires Kenzie but not just as a companion but as her tutor in her Wiccan education, it turns out that Effe is a high priestess of a coven called the protectors , they protect little children and those in need , something that Kenzie only recently discovered about herself .
But being a wiccan for Kenzie brings with it danger and revelations that further challenge their relationship, but not because Bryce has issues accepting her as a Wiccan , but of long term secrets that threaten her very life , threats that Bryce and the Matheson clan te mor than wiling to face , but Kenzie considers running from to protect them .

I could go on and on about this book and list quote after quote , but I Donot want t ruin the read for anyone , to say I loved this story is an understatement and I am fast becoming a huge fan of Ms .Davis.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun romance with some paranormal twists !

Arc was graciously supplied by Loveswept via Netgalley for an honest review .




Profile Image for Nicola.
1,390 reviews286 followers
March 25, 2015
I enjoy a man in a kilt, I'm partial to shape-shifters and having enjoyed the first in the Highlander's Beloved series, A Highlander's Obsession, I had no hesitation in grabbing this and seeing how Bryce Matheson would compare to his big brother Creighton.

He appealed more.

We met him in the first book, we know he's a widower and dad to five year-old cutie Colleen. We also know he has a history with Kenzie Denune. What we don't know is how deep their history goes. He lost her once into the arms of an abusive husband but he'll not make that mistake again...

"Get it through yer head: I plan to romance ye until yer mine."

With magic and mystery, sexiness and wee surprises, I enjoyed Bryce and Kenzie together; both endearing, Bryce is indeed passionate with that overly protective streak that runs in his family, and Kenzie is strong and independent despite her painful past.

"...defiance isna totally a bad thing."

Their story grabbed but it wasn't without its flaws. And unfortunately there were a few. The main sticking point for me was the narrative; it was written with a Scottish twang. I've no issue with character speak being written this way, indeed I find it adds to the feel of the characters to a degree, but when practically the entire book is, it begins to tarnish the reading experience somewhat. Secondly, whilst we were given descriptions on Bryce and Kenzie's appearance, it was very spaced out, so I struggled to visualise them. And as cute and sweet as Colleen was and as amusing as the family's interactions were with her, she often spoke in a manner way beyond her five years. But there were elements I loved, it's filled with romance, wooing and emotion and Effie was even better this time around; the batty pink-loving old lady with a huge heart brought humour and surprise and I loved her for it.

Granted I would have liked the edge-of-your-seat climax I thought it was building up to, but even with its flaws, Vonnie Davis has delivered a good, well-paced addition to the series. I do like the Matheson extended family dynamic and I'll certainly be checking out how hard Ronan will fall when his time arises.

3.5 stars.

This review will appear on Read Your Writes Book Reviews.

Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
1,331 reviews10 followers
April 7, 2015
Omg this book was awesome. I have been waiting to read Byrce's story.
this book was such a joy to read. I love Collen that little one and the tings she says.
You never know what she will say but it is going to be good.
I love that what she said about finding the dirty magazine under her uncle's bed,
then she puts it on his dinner plate to make sure everyone knows he was naughty.
I almost fell out of my chair laughing. then there is his love interest Kenzie,
she is one amazing woman to go through all she has and still be the strong willed
woman she is is truly wonderful. The book was not all hearts and roses their was a
real tender moment between Kenzie and Bryce that about tore my soul apart How do
you move on from something like that to lose not one but to little souls that never
had a chance to live I had tears running down my face even now writing about it
I do I wont say more about this as to not spoil the story but the way he helps her
with this is truly amazing. I do have to say Bryce's mom's Idea of what to do too
the person who caused all this pain was about how I felt too. But overall this is
one hell of a book and I can not wait to read the next book.
I hope you enjoy this book as Much as I did.
If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review.
The Authors really like it when you do, they value your opinions too.
Profile Image for Angie.
479 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2015
4 1/2 Stars
I was given a copy of this book by netgalley for an honest review.

I have not yet read A Highlander's Obsession, but I think I will try to find it, because if it's anywhere as good this book, it'll be worth the time to find it. A Highlander's Passion puts a bear shifter together with a Wiccan witch, who seems to have a lot of magical power at her disposal. Together they have to fight a great force of evil that seems invincible. There was a lot of heartbreaking moments throughout the book, mainly having to do with a couple miscarriages that the witch suffered. But there were probably even more laughs given to the reader by the shifter's 5 year old daughter, the witch's new boss and the witch's aunt, who is some other kind of witch. None of these three seem to have any filter from their brain to their mouth. But that's what makes it funny.

I would recommend this book to any fan of paranormal romances, as long as miscarriages and domestic violence are not triggers for them. There is more than enough healing in the book, but you have to get past the rough stuff first.
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