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The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #4
The Taming of Malcolm Grant
An alluring lass ...
Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea--until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.
A reckless rogue ...
With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whiskey, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he's ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire--until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants.
Runtime: 9. 62 hours
Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea--until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.
A reckless rogue ...
With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whiskey, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he's ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire--until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants.
Runtime: 9. 62 hours
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 29, 2015
46 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Paula Quinn
58 books1,388 followersPaula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, Hearts of the Highlands featuring the brave, romantic MacPhersons on Amazon now!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 22, 2016
I was going to give this two stars because Quinn's writing is always readable technical/grammar wise but I ended up skimming more than I read because of being bored with the story and I'm pretty disappointed so, yeah, I didn't like it.
I can't believe this book was written by the same author who wrote Laird of the Mist, a book I absolutely love. I was mostly bored and the characters' motivations seemed forced and dragged out. The hero is supposedly a rake but hasn't been one for four years and the heroine is blind yet manages to get around in a way that no one can believe she is. She has a dog that wasn't trained but seems to be an elite seeing eye dog and her brother maybe wants her dead/out of his hair, maybe doesn't. Our hero's brother is falling in love with a brothel worker and a powerful family lead by a goodlooking sadistic dude wants them dead. There's also a feel good turncoat character semi-involved in a semi-love triangle.
I'm so close to giving up on Quinn. I might have to go read Laird of the Mist again to feel better. I hope others have a better experience with this book than I did :(
I can't believe this book was written by the same author who wrote Laird of the Mist, a book I absolutely love. I was mostly bored and the characters' motivations seemed forced and dragged out. The hero is supposedly a rake but hasn't been one for four years and the heroine is blind yet manages to get around in a way that no one can believe she is. She has a dog that wasn't trained but seems to be an elite seeing eye dog and her brother maybe wants her dead/out of his hair, maybe doesn't. Our hero's brother is falling in love with a brothel worker and a powerful family lead by a goodlooking sadistic dude wants them dead. There's also a feel good turncoat character semi-involved in a semi-love triangle.
I'm so close to giving up on Quinn. I might have to go read Laird of the Mist again to feel better. I hope others have a better experience with this book than I did :(
September 11, 2015
ARC REVIEW
Historic Writing of Brilliance!
Ms. Quinn’s master piece of creativity combines one enchanting sexy rogue, one blind determined and independent Lass, and one incredible woven life of experiences filled with harsh realities and haunted regrets producing one visionary and heartfelt Highland Romance of all time.
I was totally spellbound from the first page. This exciting story is full of mischief, humor, deceit, jealousy, honor, death, and sacrifices. The stunning characters will have you caught up in their story as if you were living it with them.
I loved getting to know Malcolm Grant. His highland honor and pride are ordinary traits, however what captivated me most was his character’s demeanor and experiences of trying to correct his wrongs, giving up women for the last few years, separating himself from a previous clingy old rump in the sack, and rationalizing his purpose in life along with discovering if love would exist for him which had my heart singing for him.
Emmaline Grey (Emma), hands down is one of the best female characters ever created and that you will ever read about. Sure she is like every other woman being independently strong and feisty but her special quality exceeds any personality trait I have ever read about. She is blind but doesn’t let her handicap hold her back. She acts like she is not blind and moves around like every other ordinary female. She is intelligent and beautiful inside and out. I loved that she was a healer and was knowledgeable of the herbs. I fell in love with her Seeing Eye dog Gascon too and could feel the special bond between the two.
The character connection between Malcolm and Emma is explosive. Emma is off limits due to respecting his friend’s wishes but their chemistry between each other is stronger than honoring his friend’s wishes. Their sexual tension steams off the page and their toe curling interlude romantically involves a secluded beach and some ocean waves. SWOON! (3 Flames)
Other characters won me over too and I can’t wait for Paula Quinn’s next installment to find out more about these new characters. Cailean, Malcolm’s young brother has definitely had his share of tragedy. We already knew from a past installment that he lost his best hound but now he has had another great loss that will possibly send him into insanity or locked into himself forever being sad. My heart just cries when I think of his devastating baggage.
Also, the character Sebastian Winther has my interest. It was bad enough that Sebastian’s brother Oliver is an evil monster who caused all kinds of hell and many died from him but Sebastian was the good guy and I hope the readers get his story of him living his dream of sailing his own ship. Sebastian’s sexual charisma bled off the pages and I only wanted more of him.
In the end, I’m still reeling with the lasting images as they play through my mind. The Happy Ever After is blissful and has me satisfied with giddiness, yet the unfinished battle of the wicked evil Baron of Newcastle has me hungry for more story. This is just an outstanding read and I totally recommend this historical romance to all readers. I can actually say this is one story that I will enjoy reading over and over again and definitely will be keeping it on the shelf.
Historic Writing of Brilliance!
Ms. Quinn’s master piece of creativity combines one enchanting sexy rogue, one blind determined and independent Lass, and one incredible woven life of experiences filled with harsh realities and haunted regrets producing one visionary and heartfelt Highland Romance of all time.
I was totally spellbound from the first page. This exciting story is full of mischief, humor, deceit, jealousy, honor, death, and sacrifices. The stunning characters will have you caught up in their story as if you were living it with them.
I loved getting to know Malcolm Grant. His highland honor and pride are ordinary traits, however what captivated me most was his character’s demeanor and experiences of trying to correct his wrongs, giving up women for the last few years, separating himself from a previous clingy old rump in the sack, and rationalizing his purpose in life along with discovering if love would exist for him which had my heart singing for him.
Emmaline Grey (Emma), hands down is one of the best female characters ever created and that you will ever read about. Sure she is like every other woman being independently strong and feisty but her special quality exceeds any personality trait I have ever read about. She is blind but doesn’t let her handicap hold her back. She acts like she is not blind and moves around like every other ordinary female. She is intelligent and beautiful inside and out. I loved that she was a healer and was knowledgeable of the herbs. I fell in love with her Seeing Eye dog Gascon too and could feel the special bond between the two.
The character connection between Malcolm and Emma is explosive. Emma is off limits due to respecting his friend’s wishes but their chemistry between each other is stronger than honoring his friend’s wishes. Their sexual tension steams off the page and their toe curling interlude romantically involves a secluded beach and some ocean waves. SWOON! (3 Flames)
Other characters won me over too and I can’t wait for Paula Quinn’s next installment to find out more about these new characters. Cailean, Malcolm’s young brother has definitely had his share of tragedy. We already knew from a past installment that he lost his best hound but now he has had another great loss that will possibly send him into insanity or locked into himself forever being sad. My heart just cries when I think of his devastating baggage.
Also, the character Sebastian Winther has my interest. It was bad enough that Sebastian’s brother Oliver is an evil monster who caused all kinds of hell and many died from him but Sebastian was the good guy and I hope the readers get his story of him living his dream of sailing his own ship. Sebastian’s sexual charisma bled off the pages and I only wanted more of him.
In the end, I’m still reeling with the lasting images as they play through my mind. The Happy Ever After is blissful and has me satisfied with giddiness, yet the unfinished battle of the wicked evil Baron of Newcastle has me hungry for more story. This is just an outstanding read and I totally recommend this historical romance to all readers. I can actually say this is one story that I will enjoy reading over and over again and definitely will be keeping it on the shelf.
September 24, 2015
This is the only book in the MacGregor series that I’ve read, so I didn’t know much about Malcolm Grant when I started the book. Apparently he’s gorgeous and sexy and has been the life of every drinking event and brothel and fight. Malcolm brings his younger brother, Cailean, to Harry Grey’s brothel, which Malcolm has visited many times before, so Cailean can lose his virginity (what a great big brother, huh?) All the girls are thrilled to see Malcolm, because apparently he’s not just a pretty face, ;-) but once he meets Harry’s sister, Emma, he finds he’s no longer interested in spending time with any of the other girls.
Emma, who’d been living in France, lost her sight as a child because of a fever that also claimed the lives of both of her parents. Her brother, Harry, who was only 15 and afraid of becoming sick himself, left little Emma to fend for herself – selfish, yes, but somewhat understandable. Luckily Emma was taken in by a healing woman and raised in a little cottage in the woods. Not only did she learn how to maneuver and fend for herself, she also learned many nursing and healing skills. Years later when Emma discovered where Harry was living, she was able to move in, though Harry is loath to have any of the patrons of his establishment see and become interested in her.
While the Grants are at the pub/brothel and it starts to storm, Emma rushes to bring her dog, Gascon, inside although her brother strictly forbids it. When Malcolm stands up for Emma during the disagreement, she finds herself enamored of this man that everyone is talking about and decides that he may not be as shallow as she had heard at first.
Rival clan members, the Winthers, arrive that night and start a brawl in the pub over the services of one of the girls. Malcolm and Cailean are both severely injured and Emma later works diligently to save both of them with only her sense of touch and a few of the other girls guiding her, using the herbal potions she had learned. She is truly a remarkable woman, compensating for her lack of sight with her other senses.
Malcolm awakens first and is mesmerized by Emma and what she can do even without her sight. He finds himself attracted to this beautiful, gentle soul, even though he’s always felt that marriage and bairns were not for him. Cailean’s recovery takes much longer and Harry knows that the Winthers will retaliate against him and the Grant brothers for what happened during that latest brawl, where one of the Winthers brothers was killed. He begs Malcolm and Cailean to allow word to spread that they both died in the brawl and pretend to be someone else until they are well enough to leave his establishment.
This is a beautifully written historic tale of how Emma helps Malcolm change, not only his feelings about love and marriage, but about what is important in life in general. With her he wants to be a different man, to be gentle and kind and learn how she sees things so differently. Emma begins to think that she might have love in her life after all. And Gascon’s role is wonderful, most likely the first seeing eye dog ever!
Received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Follow me at https://ladieswholunchreviews.WordPre...
Emma, who’d been living in France, lost her sight as a child because of a fever that also claimed the lives of both of her parents. Her brother, Harry, who was only 15 and afraid of becoming sick himself, left little Emma to fend for herself – selfish, yes, but somewhat understandable. Luckily Emma was taken in by a healing woman and raised in a little cottage in the woods. Not only did she learn how to maneuver and fend for herself, she also learned many nursing and healing skills. Years later when Emma discovered where Harry was living, she was able to move in, though Harry is loath to have any of the patrons of his establishment see and become interested in her.
While the Grants are at the pub/brothel and it starts to storm, Emma rushes to bring her dog, Gascon, inside although her brother strictly forbids it. When Malcolm stands up for Emma during the disagreement, she finds herself enamored of this man that everyone is talking about and decides that he may not be as shallow as she had heard at first.
Rival clan members, the Winthers, arrive that night and start a brawl in the pub over the services of one of the girls. Malcolm and Cailean are both severely injured and Emma later works diligently to save both of them with only her sense of touch and a few of the other girls guiding her, using the herbal potions she had learned. She is truly a remarkable woman, compensating for her lack of sight with her other senses.
Malcolm awakens first and is mesmerized by Emma and what she can do even without her sight. He finds himself attracted to this beautiful, gentle soul, even though he’s always felt that marriage and bairns were not for him. Cailean’s recovery takes much longer and Harry knows that the Winthers will retaliate against him and the Grant brothers for what happened during that latest brawl, where one of the Winthers brothers was killed. He begs Malcolm and Cailean to allow word to spread that they both died in the brawl and pretend to be someone else until they are well enough to leave his establishment.
This is a beautifully written historic tale of how Emma helps Malcolm change, not only his feelings about love and marriage, but about what is important in life in general. With her he wants to be a different man, to be gentle and kind and learn how she sees things so differently. Emma begins to think that she might have love in her life after all. And Gascon’s role is wonderful, most likely the first seeing eye dog ever!
Received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Follow me at https://ladieswholunchreviews.WordPre...
September 26, 2015
"The Taming of Malcolm Grant" is another exceptional read by the talented Paula Quinn. This is the fourth book in her wonderful (The MacGregors, Highland Heirs Series) you can read this as a stand alone or in series order. Worth a bazillion stars as it was really one to melt your heart and warm your soul. I read this in one sitting as I was totally absorbed and with this delightful read!
Hepburn England, early 18th century
This is the story of Malcolm Grant rogue of men who always left women with broken hearts. He has decided to take his 21 year old brother Cailean to lose his virginity at brothel, Fortunes Smile his good friend Harry Grey own. Cailean already spotted a redhead prostitute he was attracted her name was Alison,but she was already paid for by the sadistic and evil Baron of Newcastle's brother Andrew. Then Malcolm meets Harry's attractive sister Emmaline who asked for her dog Gascon to come in from the cold rain. The brother and sister only recently reunited. This is when Malcolm first meets Emmaline Grey whom is called Emma. Harry hasn't let Emma's dog inside when Malcolm and Cailean sided with Emma as a dog lover himself and convinced Harry. It was the first moment Malcolm Grant stirred something in Emma. It was also when Malcolm realized she needed her dog to be her eyes for her as Emma was blind.
Then all hell broke out as Cailean saw Alison being roughly handled by Andrew Winthers and Cailean when after the man. In the end Malcolm amd Cailean were a force to be reckoned with until they realize Andrew Winthers is dead and the Winther's come back with reinforcements and shoot both the brothers. Emma who is also a healer ,but keeps that secret as she watched the woman who saved her life after Harry had abandoned her when she was forst going blind at age ten. In France Her family all contacted a bad fever that killed their parents and left her blind but her friend Clementine saved her and taught her the healing arts. Yet the people who Clementine healed turned on her older friend who was like a mother to her and they had hung her and then burned her sweet friend who was kind to everyone. This is why Emma left France and came to England and reunited with her brother that she forgave knowing he was only fifteen and scared of getting the decease and dying.
Malcolm is known as a rogue and a heartbreaker a man known never to get emotionally involved and always the one to leave. He is a major heartbreaker. Yet as of late people don't realize the change in him. He feels he's been as used as others he has used until he meets Emma a woman who can't see his seductive smiles or dimples In his cheeks. After Malcolm and his brother are injured Emma is required to heal them and Malcolm is impressed how a blind girl can treat and heal others. He admires her independence and how she see's with her hands and her honesty and he knows she had been untouched by any other man. Yet he doesn't think he can love a requirement Emma has, to bed and marry a man. Also though Malcolm and Cailean's deaths are faked there is a couple spies among them and also unknown to all one is Sebastian (Fletcher) Winthers who wants to get away from his evil sadistic brother plus he starts to like the brothers, but knows he has to avenge Andrew's. death. Also there is also a manipulating prostitute who is favored among the customers Bess who is obsessed with Malcolm and will do anything to get him back! As Malcolm and Bess had a relationship years prior if you can call it that from a paying customer. Bess is extremely jealous of Emma and had even threatened to kill her dog Gascon if she doesn't stay away from Malcolm. Bess knows Malcolm wants Emma she sees how he looks at her, but Malcolm always sees how Emma holds her own when going head to head with Bess and never allows herself to become a victim. Another trait he admires about her that is her braw and strength. Yet Bess tries to put an end of Emma and Malcolm's relationship before it even begins as she is a master manipulator. So there are many mountains and obstacles in the way of this couple's happiness with blackmail, murder, mystery, betrayal, mayhem, abduction and perhaps even love Also many risks plus how could Emma ever leave Harry when she has just recently been reunited with him?Will Oliver and Sebastian murder the Grant brothers or shall Bess or Oliver murder Emma? Will Cailean be able to marry the prostitute Alison who had fallen in love with him and has became Emma's dear friend and healing assistant? You will have to read this fabulous book to find out.
This book was absolutely spectacular with so many ups, downs, twist and turns I was holding on to my seat by a thread! I read this in one day as I was so absorbed and glued to this book I could not put this full length book down. This is a major really fast page tuner so superbly written that the near ending had me sobbing. It was emotional too so have some Kleenex handy. The Taming of Malcolm Grant was magnificent and believe me you don't want miss this amazing wonderful read!
I recieved this from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review
The MacGregors, Highland Heirs Series by Paula Quinn
1.The Seduction of Amelia Bell
1.5 The Sweet Surrender of Janet Buchannan - Novella
2. The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd
3. Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor
4.The Taming of Malcolm Grant - TBR on September 29, 2015
September 30, 2015
Thank you to GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Taming of Malcolm Grant was the story of a Scottish rogue who has always found good fortune with his looks – until he falls in love with a woman who sees not with her eyes. While this book was the fourth in the series, it was my first from this author, and I didn’t feel lost while I was reading it.
I really enjoyed Malcolm’s character. He was purported to be arrogant, and in some cases he was, but he was mostly lonely and desperate to fall in love – though I’m not sure he’d admit this. He was incredibly loyal to his family, especially his brother, and he was a protector to everyone around him. Emma took longer for me to warm up to. I thought she was a bit immature at times (I had to keep reminding myself that she was only 19 years old,) and then wise beyond her years at others. She was a gifted healer, and she loved to keep Malcolm on his toes. (And trust me – he deserved it!)
While I thought this story was enjoyable, it seemed to drag at parts. Even when the bigger scenes at the end were happening, the pacing felt off. At least a quarter of this book could have been trimmed, and I think it would have kept things moving along better. Most of it took place in one location, and I think that had a lot to do with it. I had two major issues with this book – for one, Malcolm has been celibate—celibate!—for four years. He was determined not to fall in love, but at the same time, he didn’t want to have sex anymore if it was apart from love. I just didn’t get the reasoning behind this. If he had never found love, would the reputed rogue never have had sex again? Also, in an effort to speed their relationship along, Emma spends time with another man to make Malcolm jealous. With as open and honest as she was the rest of the time, this just didn’t seem to be an accurate reflection of her character. I was disappointed with that turn of events. The highlights of this book for me were the secondary characters, especially Malcolm’s brother, Cailean. They had such a wonderful relationship, and it was nice to see them bonding. I also liked Alison, one of the prostitutes at the brothel where Malcolm and Cailean were staying. She was very sweet and loyal.
While I did have some issues with this book, it was a decent read. And I am especially looking forward to Cailean’s book!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
The Taming of Malcolm Grant was the story of a Scottish rogue who has always found good fortune with his looks – until he falls in love with a woman who sees not with her eyes. While this book was the fourth in the series, it was my first from this author, and I didn’t feel lost while I was reading it.
I really enjoyed Malcolm’s character. He was purported to be arrogant, and in some cases he was, but he was mostly lonely and desperate to fall in love – though I’m not sure he’d admit this. He was incredibly loyal to his family, especially his brother, and he was a protector to everyone around him. Emma took longer for me to warm up to. I thought she was a bit immature at times (I had to keep reminding myself that she was only 19 years old,) and then wise beyond her years at others. She was a gifted healer, and she loved to keep Malcolm on his toes. (And trust me – he deserved it!)
While I thought this story was enjoyable, it seemed to drag at parts. Even when the bigger scenes at the end were happening, the pacing felt off. At least a quarter of this book could have been trimmed, and I think it would have kept things moving along better. Most of it took place in one location, and I think that had a lot to do with it. I had two major issues with this book – for one, Malcolm has been celibate—celibate!—for four years. He was determined not to fall in love, but at the same time, he didn’t want to have sex anymore if it was apart from love. I just didn’t get the reasoning behind this. If he had never found love, would the reputed rogue never have had sex again? Also, in an effort to speed their relationship along, Emma spends time with another man to make Malcolm jealous. With as open and honest as she was the rest of the time, this just didn’t seem to be an accurate reflection of her character. I was disappointed with that turn of events. The highlights of this book for me were the secondary characters, especially Malcolm’s brother, Cailean. They had such a wonderful relationship, and it was nice to see them bonding. I also liked Alison, one of the prostitutes at the brothel where Malcolm and Cailean were staying. She was very sweet and loyal.
While I did have some issues with this book, it was a decent read. And I am especially looking forward to Cailean’s book!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
October 20, 2015
Another winner from Quinn. It's too bad the back cover copy doesn't really do the story justice. I was expecting a story about a blind woman living alone in some remote area, nursing an injured highlander while they slowly fall in love and obsess over how they can't ever be together, which is why I kept picking other books off my shelf and saving this for a dry spell. That's not at all what the story is about. Note to publishers: if there is lots of ACTION in a book, make sure the back cover copy reflects that.
Off rant.
So here's the real story: Malcolm Grant and his brother are visiting a brothel owned by Malcolm's friend Harry. Mal himself doesn't have any amorous intentions (despite his long-deserved reputation as a ladies man, he's grown bored with being man candy), but he wants his depressed brother to have some fun. Cailean (said brother) zeroes in on a pretty redhead just about the time another customer starts slapping her around. A fight ensues, and the bodies pile up. Both Malcolm and Cailean are injured. Enter Emma, the brothel owner's blind sister, who happens to be a healer.
Complication: the guys who died in that fight include the brother of a powerful and vicious baron, who decides that pretty much everybody, from the pretty redhead to the Grant brothers, needs to die for their sins. He's also interested in getting his hands on Emma, for more reasons than might immediately come to your mind.
There's lots of fighting and intrigue and danger while the love story, which is very satisfying, unfolds. Another plus, Emma's blindness is not treated as a handicap. She is presented as a capable woman who has found ways to live very well, though she is also quite vulnerable at times.
Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Off rant.
So here's the real story: Malcolm Grant and his brother are visiting a brothel owned by Malcolm's friend Harry. Mal himself doesn't have any amorous intentions (despite his long-deserved reputation as a ladies man, he's grown bored with being man candy), but he wants his depressed brother to have some fun. Cailean (said brother) zeroes in on a pretty redhead just about the time another customer starts slapping her around. A fight ensues, and the bodies pile up. Both Malcolm and Cailean are injured. Enter Emma, the brothel owner's blind sister, who happens to be a healer.
Complication: the guys who died in that fight include the brother of a powerful and vicious baron, who decides that pretty much everybody, from the pretty redhead to the Grant brothers, needs to die for their sins. He's also interested in getting his hands on Emma, for more reasons than might immediately come to your mind.
There's lots of fighting and intrigue and danger while the love story, which is very satisfying, unfolds. Another plus, Emma's blindness is not treated as a handicap. She is presented as a capable woman who has found ways to live very well, though she is also quite vulnerable at times.
Highly recommended. 5 stars.
November 25, 2015
Malcolm Grant decides to take his younger brother, Cailean, who is still a virgin, to a brothel that is owned by his old friend Harry Grey. Malcolm used to frequent the brothel himself and all of the girls love him and want to be with him again. Malcolm though has been trying not to lead that sort of life and only is interested in helping his brother. When the pair come to the defense of one of the girls at the brothel another clan decides to take revenge on them and the Grant brothers end up getting shot. Harry seeks out the help of his sister to take care of the brothers.
Emma Grey was separated from her brother early in life and has only recently reunited with Harry. She was extremely ill as a child and the result of which was losing her sight. A kind old woman took Emma in and nursed her back to health and taught her everything she knew about healing but was later accused of being a witch and killed, forcing Emma to seek out her long lost brother.
As Emma takes care of Malcolm and Cailean's wounds she begins to develop feelings for Malcolm. Seeing the strength in Emma, Malcolm develops his own feelings but doesn't know if he is good enough for her.
I wanted to like this a bit more than I did but came out with just kind of an average feeling. It was good and I loved Emma's character right from the start with all she'd been through and finding her own way to cope in the world. Malcolm on the other hand I didn't care for at first but he grew on me a bit more during the story. Emma's brother though was a major annoyance. Perhaps being the only book from the series that I'd read hurt a bit as to not knowing the characters any beforehand but it did read alright as a standalone as far as the story.
I won this book from Goodreads First Reads.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Emma Grey was separated from her brother early in life and has only recently reunited with Harry. She was extremely ill as a child and the result of which was losing her sight. A kind old woman took Emma in and nursed her back to health and taught her everything she knew about healing but was later accused of being a witch and killed, forcing Emma to seek out her long lost brother.
As Emma takes care of Malcolm and Cailean's wounds she begins to develop feelings for Malcolm. Seeing the strength in Emma, Malcolm develops his own feelings but doesn't know if he is good enough for her.
I wanted to like this a bit more than I did but came out with just kind of an average feeling. It was good and I loved Emma's character right from the start with all she'd been through and finding her own way to cope in the world. Malcolm on the other hand I didn't care for at first but he grew on me a bit more during the story. Emma's brother though was a major annoyance. Perhaps being the only book from the series that I'd read hurt a bit as to not knowing the characters any beforehand but it did read alright as a standalone as far as the story.
I won this book from Goodreads First Reads.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
September 15, 2015
Finally! Malcolm's book is here. The rogue of the group, happy with a new lass each night, a bit of whisky and don't forget a bit of mortal combat. He lacks what every other man woman and child in his clan posses, and would prefer not to think about the reasons, or feelings for that matter. Malcolm and his younger brother Cailean decided to visit their friend Harry Grey and his brothel for a bit of sport on their way home to Camlochlin. They soon encountered whisky, women and war...ahhh, what more could a rogue ask for?
Emma Grey most recently of France, has just come to England to join her long estranged brother who left her, ill with fever that would take her sight, to fend for herself when their parents died. Luckily she was taken by a lovely healer who loved her as a daughter and taught her healing arts. Emma never blamed her brother, he was just fifteen himself, and afraid to catch the fever and die. Not long after she moved into her brother's brothel, a couple of visitors arrived who turned her world upside-down!
This book had a few elements that spoke to me as very few others have. I found myself so very close to this heroine, to the point where I was even dreaming of her. I love Malcolm and his tenderness...his actions towards Emma remind me of my own rogue turned Knight in Shining Armor. I know that this is one book that I will add to the list of "Paula Quinn Books that I will read over and over again!" This is also a book to put on the list of "Books to take on Vacation!"
It goes without saying that all of Paula Quinn's books are on my Autobuy list, in fact, I purchase her books in print, ebook and audio....ummm, yep, I'm hooked. I adore her Highlanders!!
Until Next Time!
xxoo Terree
Emma Grey most recently of France, has just come to England to join her long estranged brother who left her, ill with fever that would take her sight, to fend for herself when their parents died. Luckily she was taken by a lovely healer who loved her as a daughter and taught her healing arts. Emma never blamed her brother, he was just fifteen himself, and afraid to catch the fever and die. Not long after she moved into her brother's brothel, a couple of visitors arrived who turned her world upside-down!
This book had a few elements that spoke to me as very few others have. I found myself so very close to this heroine, to the point where I was even dreaming of her. I love Malcolm and his tenderness...his actions towards Emma remind me of my own rogue turned Knight in Shining Armor. I know that this is one book that I will add to the list of "Paula Quinn Books that I will read over and over again!" This is also a book to put on the list of "Books to take on Vacation!"
It goes without saying that all of Paula Quinn's books are on my Autobuy list, in fact, I purchase her books in print, ebook and audio....ummm, yep, I'm hooked. I adore her Highlanders!!
Until Next Time!
xxoo Terree
January 15, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Adored Both H and h. Now getting first in series so can read whole series
September 30, 2015
I’m always giddy when a new Paula Quinn book arrives. It always promises to deliver handsome Highlanders and strong heroines and The Taming of Malcolm Grant was no exception.
When Malcolm Grant and his brother are injured in a fight at her brother’s brothel, Emma Grey, a skilled healer, is willingly to risk war with a rival clan to save them. Although she’s blind, Emma can see right through the façade the rugged Highlander is putting on and soon she finds herself falling for Malcolm.
Malcolm Grant never intended to get into a fight at the brothel he and his brother were visiting. Now he’s brought danger to his friends door but he’s not about to leave the charming healer who nursed him and his brother back to health without protection. Malcolm has promised Emma’s brother he would leave her alone, yet he can’t seem to get her out of his mind. He knows it’s not love, because love has eluded him, although there is no denying that something is happening between them. When danger threatens Emma, he will stop at nothing to bring her back to him.
Malcolm was definitely a rugged, warring Highlander who earned his reputation as a rogue. But he’s changed. He’s no longer bouncing from one lass’s bed to another but he’s also become resigned to the fact love’s not going to happen for him. So when he meets Emma, he feels something’s different about her but he’s not sure what it is.
Emma may be blind, but she’s not letting her blindness make her weak and I loved that she was ready and willing to stand up against the threats around her. She definitely has moxie. She’s also in an interesting situation. She’s just reconnected with her brother who abandoned her as a child and she’s now living in the brothel that he owns. Until the Grants arrived, her brother was content to keep her hidden away.
Emma and Malcolm was such an interesting pair and I loved them together. And I loved their witty banter. I also loved that Malcolm never saw Emma’s blindness as a limitation and, on more than one occasion, he stood up to her brother about the way he was hiding her away because of her blindness. While they had instant chemistry right from the start, they didn’t have instant love. They had to work through a few issues first.
I’m really glad that they didn’t fall into bed as soon as they realized there was an attraction between them. They waited until they were comfortable around each other. I also liked that Emma, even though she was a virgin, wasn’t naïve about sex. In fact, she was the one who initiated it.
I was moving along in the story, enjoying it’s yummy goodness, then things went a little pear-shaped when the suspense aspect of the book started coming in and I had to question a few things.
It kind of bugged me that Malcolm, a Highlander who is accused of murdering a member of a rival clan and now using a new last name and dressing like an Englishman to protect himself and his brother, would be so open and willing to trust some random man who just arrived at the brothel. Emma, who was worried about being accused of being a witch throughout the first half of the book, also seemed to lose her fear and trust this newcomer. I know it was tantamount to the plot, but still a little suspicion or distrust should have been thrown in to give it a true-to-life feel.
There were also a few details that were brought up then glossed over, like who drugged Malcolm. Seriously, if someone drugged me, I would be a little suspicious of everybody. Rather than using his drugging as something to spur on the suspense, it was used as a catalyst for conflict between Malcolm and Emma then sort of swept under the rung.
While I had a feeling who one of the villains was going to be, I was a little surprised at why the baddie wanted Emma. The outcome was a little surprising as well.
With Paula Quinn’s books, you know you’re going to get to see characters from the previous books come to life in the next, so I was over the moon when I learned that the next book was going to be Cailean’s story because I loved him in this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It had amazing characters and while a few details of the suspense aspect of the plot could have been ironed out a bit more, the book made for an entertaining read and left me itching to read Cailean’s story.
When Malcolm Grant and his brother are injured in a fight at her brother’s brothel, Emma Grey, a skilled healer, is willingly to risk war with a rival clan to save them. Although she’s blind, Emma can see right through the façade the rugged Highlander is putting on and soon she finds herself falling for Malcolm.
Malcolm Grant never intended to get into a fight at the brothel he and his brother were visiting. Now he’s brought danger to his friends door but he’s not about to leave the charming healer who nursed him and his brother back to health without protection. Malcolm has promised Emma’s brother he would leave her alone, yet he can’t seem to get her out of his mind. He knows it’s not love, because love has eluded him, although there is no denying that something is happening between them. When danger threatens Emma, he will stop at nothing to bring her back to him.
Malcolm was definitely a rugged, warring Highlander who earned his reputation as a rogue. But he’s changed. He’s no longer bouncing from one lass’s bed to another but he’s also become resigned to the fact love’s not going to happen for him. So when he meets Emma, he feels something’s different about her but he’s not sure what it is.
Emma may be blind, but she’s not letting her blindness make her weak and I loved that she was ready and willing to stand up against the threats around her. She definitely has moxie. She’s also in an interesting situation. She’s just reconnected with her brother who abandoned her as a child and she’s now living in the brothel that he owns. Until the Grants arrived, her brother was content to keep her hidden away.
Emma and Malcolm was such an interesting pair and I loved them together. And I loved their witty banter. I also loved that Malcolm never saw Emma’s blindness as a limitation and, on more than one occasion, he stood up to her brother about the way he was hiding her away because of her blindness. While they had instant chemistry right from the start, they didn’t have instant love. They had to work through a few issues first.
I’m really glad that they didn’t fall into bed as soon as they realized there was an attraction between them. They waited until they were comfortable around each other. I also liked that Emma, even though she was a virgin, wasn’t naïve about sex. In fact, she was the one who initiated it.
I was moving along in the story, enjoying it’s yummy goodness, then things went a little pear-shaped when the suspense aspect of the book started coming in and I had to question a few things.
It kind of bugged me that Malcolm, a Highlander who is accused of murdering a member of a rival clan and now using a new last name and dressing like an Englishman to protect himself and his brother, would be so open and willing to trust some random man who just arrived at the brothel. Emma, who was worried about being accused of being a witch throughout the first half of the book, also seemed to lose her fear and trust this newcomer. I know it was tantamount to the plot, but still a little suspicion or distrust should have been thrown in to give it a true-to-life feel.
There were also a few details that were brought up then glossed over, like who drugged Malcolm. Seriously, if someone drugged me, I would be a little suspicious of everybody. Rather than using his drugging as something to spur on the suspense, it was used as a catalyst for conflict between Malcolm and Emma then sort of swept under the rung.
While I had a feeling who one of the villains was going to be, I was a little surprised at why the baddie wanted Emma. The outcome was a little surprising as well.
With Paula Quinn’s books, you know you’re going to get to see characters from the previous books come to life in the next, so I was over the moon when I learned that the next book was going to be Cailean’s story because I loved him in this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It had amazing characters and while a few details of the suspense aspect of the plot could have been ironed out a bit more, the book made for an entertaining read and left me itching to read Cailean’s story.
December 21, 2015
Very few books have moved me to tears, and I was not even halfway through THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT, that I was weeping! And not because of what could seem obvious, in view of the main female character being blind, but because Paula Quinn is an astonishingly talented and sensitive writer. Emmaline Grey’s family caught a fever when in France, and at ten years of age, Emma was orphaned and abandoned by her only brother Harry. During that time, Emma learned to heal from an old woman. Ten years after the catastrophe, Emma goes back to England to find Harry, who is the proprietor of a bordello, and she stays with him. She’s not a worker, but he treats her like an invalid, and she is anything but. One evening, there’s an altercation, in which a friend of Harry is involved: Malcolm Grant. Malcolm and his brother are both seriously injured and Emma treats them. And thus begins a one of the most moving, wonderful, tender love stories I have ever read.
Ms. Quinn’s prose is understated, refined and beautifully evocative, and she excels at making the reader experience Emma’s world. Emma is a fabulous character: she has suffered much but is determined that her shortcoming will not stop her from living as normal a life as she can. Malcolm has forever relied on his physical attributes, on his charm to which Emma is entirely impervious. However Emma sees the man who saved her dog; she perceives there’s a good man behind all the bravado. Emma never behaved as a fragile little thing, as a victim, nor is she made to be a superwoman; Emma is simply who she is, and not seeing is merely a challenge.
Paula Quinn has crafted a love story for the ages, worthy of the medieval romances Emma cherishes. The author is able to convey the deepest emotions, colours, feelings – life itself – with such clarity, that I fell completely under her spell. The incandescent desire that eventually engulfs Malcolm and Emma is the result of deeply caring for each other, and working together to present a united front when danger looms, a consequence of the brawl in which the Grants were injured.
THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT is not at all what I expected: it is a work of art. Ms. Quinn’s prose is understated, refined, yet eloquent beyond compare. There is quite a bit of action in this book, and often I find that some historical romances don’t have enough, but even if there had only been the romance, it would have been a fantastic book, because it is absolutely exquisite. Paula Quinn was a new author to me, and I will be awaiting her next book with bated breath!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Quinn’s prose is understated, refined and beautifully evocative, and she excels at making the reader experience Emma’s world. Emma is a fabulous character: she has suffered much but is determined that her shortcoming will not stop her from living as normal a life as she can. Malcolm has forever relied on his physical attributes, on his charm to which Emma is entirely impervious. However Emma sees the man who saved her dog; she perceives there’s a good man behind all the bravado. Emma never behaved as a fragile little thing, as a victim, nor is she made to be a superwoman; Emma is simply who she is, and not seeing is merely a challenge.
Paula Quinn has crafted a love story for the ages, worthy of the medieval romances Emma cherishes. The author is able to convey the deepest emotions, colours, feelings – life itself – with such clarity, that I fell completely under her spell. The incandescent desire that eventually engulfs Malcolm and Emma is the result of deeply caring for each other, and working together to present a united front when danger looms, a consequence of the brawl in which the Grants were injured.
THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT is not at all what I expected: it is a work of art. Ms. Quinn’s prose is understated, refined, yet eloquent beyond compare. There is quite a bit of action in this book, and often I find that some historical romances don’t have enough, but even if there had only been the romance, it would have been a fantastic book, because it is absolutely exquisite. Paula Quinn was a new author to me, and I will be awaiting her next book with bated breath!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2015
What a great read. I enjoyed it very much. I love historical romance and this one was wonderful. Malcolm was a very complicated man who wanted to change. He was very loyal and stood by his brother. He was quite arrogant at first but with the help of Emma he changed his ways and became the man he wanted to be. Emma was a strong heroine and she was amazing how she prevailed. Her honesty was honorable and she loved to say what was exactly on her mind. Her loss of sight didn't hinder her at all it made her stronger then ever. I loved her dog he saved her more than once. You can read this without reading the stories before. The books are costly though it is the only drawback. I would love to read more!
Received a copy from NetGalley for a honest review.
Received a copy from NetGalley for a honest review.
October 16, 2015
ARC REVIEW TO COME
October 26, 2016
An Amazing Love Story!
September 29, 2015
3.5 stars.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*
I’ve wanted to get deeper into some of the time periods explored in historical romance, and am interested in highlanders and medievals in particular. So of course I took the opportunity to read an early copy of the latest Paula Quinn book when I got the chance. She’s pretty well-known to highlander romance fans, and I was curious to see what I thought of her writing. Another thing that drew me to this book was the fact that the heroine was blind. I wanted to see how Paula Quinn handled that. And as it turned out, she handled everything pretty well.
Emma, the heroine, was my favorite thing about this story. Despite her disability, she was strong and just wanted to live like everyone else. I loved that Emma was a healer, since this gave her a very important role right away. She was vital when it came to saving lives. Along with all of this, Emma was compassionate, but she wouldn’t back down from a challenge.
I also liked the hero, Malcolm. He was very loyal to his brother and family, and he’d do whatever he had to in order to protect them. He seemed like nothing but a rake who used and left women, but there was a lot more to him than that. Malcolm was strong and outgoing, but he thought he was unworthy of love. Malcolm never thought he was good enough, and he really wanted to be. This caused quite a bit of angst on his part which I never fully bought into. There was all these stories of how his family had found love and changed their ways, and yet he wasn’t good enough? I just thought it drew out the story needlessly.
There were a couple side characters explored in this book. I really liked Malcolm’s brother, Cailean. We didn’t get to know him fully since he has his own book, but he was honest and loyal. Plus, after what happened near the end of the novel, I really want the best for him. Then, there was Sebastian, who started out completely different from how he was at the end. The real villain of the book was Oliver, a violent baron seeking vengeance for his murdered brother. Finally, there was Harry, Emma’s brother. I didn’t really care for him, especially after what he did at the end of the book. Plus, he was always trying to restrict Emma, and I just really wanted her to break free of him, no matter that they were recently united after years of separation. Besides, he left her after the death of their parents, so I never did like him.
The plot of the book mostly followed Malcolm and Emma as they fell in love. They met at Harry’s brothel when Malcolm and Cailean were injured in a fight, and Emma helped them recover. I liked their relationship because he let Emma do whatever she wanted, with no comments about how she was incapable. It was great. There was also some suspense and mystery as there were attempted kidnappings of Emma. In the fight in which Malcolm and Cailean got hurt, a man ended up dead. This man’s family were obviously unhappy about this, and therefore wanted vengeance. So the book kept me interested for pretty much the whole story, aside from the angst from Malcolm.
Overall, I liked this book. The romance was great because Malcolm accepted Emma for who and what she was, and Malcolm of course discovered that he was indeed good enough for her. Plus, I really loved how the author made Emma a very good healer. The mystery and suspense part was interesting, but not my favorite. I saw a lot of the twists coming. Even so, it all made for a good story, and I do think any fan of highlander romances should give it a try.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*
I’ve wanted to get deeper into some of the time periods explored in historical romance, and am interested in highlanders and medievals in particular. So of course I took the opportunity to read an early copy of the latest Paula Quinn book when I got the chance. She’s pretty well-known to highlander romance fans, and I was curious to see what I thought of her writing. Another thing that drew me to this book was the fact that the heroine was blind. I wanted to see how Paula Quinn handled that. And as it turned out, she handled everything pretty well.
Emma, the heroine, was my favorite thing about this story. Despite her disability, she was strong and just wanted to live like everyone else. I loved that Emma was a healer, since this gave her a very important role right away. She was vital when it came to saving lives. Along with all of this, Emma was compassionate, but she wouldn’t back down from a challenge.
I also liked the hero, Malcolm. He was very loyal to his brother and family, and he’d do whatever he had to in order to protect them. He seemed like nothing but a rake who used and left women, but there was a lot more to him than that. Malcolm was strong and outgoing, but he thought he was unworthy of love. Malcolm never thought he was good enough, and he really wanted to be. This caused quite a bit of angst on his part which I never fully bought into. There was all these stories of how his family had found love and changed their ways, and yet he wasn’t good enough? I just thought it drew out the story needlessly.
There were a couple side characters explored in this book. I really liked Malcolm’s brother, Cailean. We didn’t get to know him fully since he has his own book, but he was honest and loyal. Plus, after what happened near the end of the novel, I really want the best for him. Then, there was Sebastian, who started out completely different from how he was at the end. The real villain of the book was Oliver, a violent baron seeking vengeance for his murdered brother. Finally, there was Harry, Emma’s brother. I didn’t really care for him, especially after what he did at the end of the book. Plus, he was always trying to restrict Emma, and I just really wanted her to break free of him, no matter that they were recently united after years of separation. Besides, he left her after the death of their parents, so I never did like him.
The plot of the book mostly followed Malcolm and Emma as they fell in love. They met at Harry’s brothel when Malcolm and Cailean were injured in a fight, and Emma helped them recover. I liked their relationship because he let Emma do whatever she wanted, with no comments about how she was incapable. It was great. There was also some suspense and mystery as there were attempted kidnappings of Emma. In the fight in which Malcolm and Cailean got hurt, a man ended up dead. This man’s family were obviously unhappy about this, and therefore wanted vengeance. So the book kept me interested for pretty much the whole story, aside from the angst from Malcolm.
Overall, I liked this book. The romance was great because Malcolm accepted Emma for who and what she was, and Malcolm of course discovered that he was indeed good enough for her. Plus, I really loved how the author made Emma a very good healer. The mystery and suspense part was interesting, but not my favorite. I saw a lot of the twists coming. Even so, it all made for a good story, and I do think any fan of highlander romances should give it a try.
September 30, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Taming of Malcolm Grant
The MacGregors: Highland Heirs, Book #4
By Paula Quinn
IBSN: 9781455519521
Author’s website: http://paulaquinn.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
DESCRIPTION:
AN ALLURING LASS
Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea-until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life to pieces. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.
A RECKLESS ROGUE
With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whisky, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he’s ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire-until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants . . .
REVIEW:
Paula Quinn has again immersed her reader into a story full of love, intrigue, family dynamics and history that will keep you turning pages and not wanting to put the book down. From the opening chapter I loved the character of Emmaline, a young blind woman with the gift of healing and caring. Having lived in France where such gifts were considered witchcraft she makes her way back to England to a brother who had abandoned her as a child. In his care at the brothel he runs, she quietly lives out her life. Her blindness combined with her brother’s restrictions makes life more of an existence that she must endure. Emmaline’s life changes when she is asked to care for two Scottish brothers who were involved in a fight at the Inn. The eldest brother, a rogue Highlander, appeals to something in Emmaline and as he heals Malcolm introduces Emmaline to a world she could only dream about. But danger is always lurking around the corner and enemies are always to be found. Can Malcolm live long enough to fulfill Emmaline’s dreams and will she be able to convince her brother that Malcolm is the man she wants?
Malcolm finds himself wounded along with his brother and being cared for by a sweet young blind lass that makes him want for a life he never thought he would have. After all he had been burnt by love in the past and he never wanted to be burnt again. Emmaline as he finds out in spite of her blindness is strong, resourceful and can see better than most. Her gentle feeling hands make him quake with desire and want, and he learns that he can give her what she most desires which is freedom to try things. When he allows her to play in the ocean and run in the fields he can see the joy in her heart. When Emmaline is threatened, Malcolm knows he must do everything to protect her. How will he convince her brother that he is taking her back home with him?
This is definitely a book that you can curl up with as the days get shorter and the cold replaces the summer warmth. You will laugh and cry as the story evolves. It is historical fiction at its best and I look forward to more Paula Quinn books.
The Taming of Malcolm Grant
The MacGregors: Highland Heirs, Book #4
By Paula Quinn
IBSN: 9781455519521
Author’s website: http://paulaquinn.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
DESCRIPTION:
AN ALLURING LASS
Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea-until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life to pieces. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.
A RECKLESS ROGUE
With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whisky, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he’s ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire-until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants . . .
REVIEW:
Paula Quinn has again immersed her reader into a story full of love, intrigue, family dynamics and history that will keep you turning pages and not wanting to put the book down. From the opening chapter I loved the character of Emmaline, a young blind woman with the gift of healing and caring. Having lived in France where such gifts were considered witchcraft she makes her way back to England to a brother who had abandoned her as a child. In his care at the brothel he runs, she quietly lives out her life. Her blindness combined with her brother’s restrictions makes life more of an existence that she must endure. Emmaline’s life changes when she is asked to care for two Scottish brothers who were involved in a fight at the Inn. The eldest brother, a rogue Highlander, appeals to something in Emmaline and as he heals Malcolm introduces Emmaline to a world she could only dream about. But danger is always lurking around the corner and enemies are always to be found. Can Malcolm live long enough to fulfill Emmaline’s dreams and will she be able to convince her brother that Malcolm is the man she wants?
Malcolm finds himself wounded along with his brother and being cared for by a sweet young blind lass that makes him want for a life he never thought he would have. After all he had been burnt by love in the past and he never wanted to be burnt again. Emmaline as he finds out in spite of her blindness is strong, resourceful and can see better than most. Her gentle feeling hands make him quake with desire and want, and he learns that he can give her what she most desires which is freedom to try things. When he allows her to play in the ocean and run in the fields he can see the joy in her heart. When Emmaline is threatened, Malcolm knows he must do everything to protect her. How will he convince her brother that he is taking her back home with him?
This is definitely a book that you can curl up with as the days get shorter and the cold replaces the summer warmth. You will laugh and cry as the story evolves. It is historical fiction at its best and I look forward to more Paula Quinn books.
December 6, 2015
I’ve read a couple of Paula Quinn’s Highlander books here and there, but I’ll admit, when I saw that huge birth chart in the beginning of this story, I was a bit intimidated. But fear not, you don’t have to be a longtime reader to jump into this book. It works just fine as a standalone.
Malcolm is a known rake who believes himself incapable of love. For a long time, he was content to love ’em and leave ’em, but for the past few years, he has taken a step back from his promiscuous ways. The flings only left him feeling emptier, so now he is trying celibacy on for size. That doesn’t mean his younger brother has to suffer the same fate, though. As the story begins, Malcolm is taking Cailean to his old favorite brothel to, at long last, lose his virginity.
Trouble finds him the minute he walks in, in the form of some ruffians who get a little too rough with Cailean’s lady of choice. It quickly descends into violence, leaving the bad guys dead and the Grant brothers at death’s door. Fortunately, Emma is there to nurse them back to health.
Our heroine is the blind sister of the brothel owner, Harry. Malcolm and Harry go way back, since Malcolm once saved Harry’s life. Now Emma has a soft spot for him too, since he convinced her brother to allow her seeing eye dog in the house. The thing is… every woman in the brothel has a soft spot for Malcolm. Before his celibate days began, he made himself into something of a legend among lovers. Now all the ladies of the house want to get him back between the sheets.
Emma can’t see his handsome face or charming grin, though. She gets to know the real man. And he finds he has to dig deep to charm her. It’s the first time he’s ever had to make an effort and he finds that she is totally worth it.
I liked these two together. Emma has an inner strength and self-assurance thanks to her healing skills. But at the same time, her inexperience in romance and interpersonal relationships makes her vulnerable. The cool thing is, she can really see Malcolm when no one else can –and he recognizes the value in her. It would have been easy for him to keep living his charmed life, but he chooses to make a change and in doing so, opens himself up to something so much greater.
There are some interesting secondary characters who help carry the story like Cailean and his romantic interest, Alison. I was also intrigued by Sebastian, even though he entered the story late. Maybe he’ll be a hero for one of the unattached females in the series.
Some of my previous Quinn reads lost me a little with too many characters and too much political sidestory. Not here. The focus was firmly on the romance and the surrounding events and it was better for it. I liked this one and would definitely try Cailean’s book when it comes out.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by publisher
Malcolm is a known rake who believes himself incapable of love. For a long time, he was content to love ’em and leave ’em, but for the past few years, he has taken a step back from his promiscuous ways. The flings only left him feeling emptier, so now he is trying celibacy on for size. That doesn’t mean his younger brother has to suffer the same fate, though. As the story begins, Malcolm is taking Cailean to his old favorite brothel to, at long last, lose his virginity.
Trouble finds him the minute he walks in, in the form of some ruffians who get a little too rough with Cailean’s lady of choice. It quickly descends into violence, leaving the bad guys dead and the Grant brothers at death’s door. Fortunately, Emma is there to nurse them back to health.
Our heroine is the blind sister of the brothel owner, Harry. Malcolm and Harry go way back, since Malcolm once saved Harry’s life. Now Emma has a soft spot for him too, since he convinced her brother to allow her seeing eye dog in the house. The thing is… every woman in the brothel has a soft spot for Malcolm. Before his celibate days began, he made himself into something of a legend among lovers. Now all the ladies of the house want to get him back between the sheets.
Emma can’t see his handsome face or charming grin, though. She gets to know the real man. And he finds he has to dig deep to charm her. It’s the first time he’s ever had to make an effort and he finds that she is totally worth it.
I liked these two together. Emma has an inner strength and self-assurance thanks to her healing skills. But at the same time, her inexperience in romance and interpersonal relationships makes her vulnerable. The cool thing is, she can really see Malcolm when no one else can –and he recognizes the value in her. It would have been easy for him to keep living his charmed life, but he chooses to make a change and in doing so, opens himself up to something so much greater.
There are some interesting secondary characters who help carry the story like Cailean and his romantic interest, Alison. I was also intrigued by Sebastian, even though he entered the story late. Maybe he’ll be a hero for one of the unattached females in the series.
Some of my previous Quinn reads lost me a little with too many characters and too much political sidestory. Not here. The focus was firmly on the romance and the surrounding events and it was better for it. I liked this one and would definitely try Cailean’s book when it comes out.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by publisher
September 30, 2015
Originally posted at For What It's Worth on 9/29/15: http://www.fwiwreviews.net/2015/09/re...
Source: ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Historical Romance can be a bit hit or miss with me. I tend to like the stories that break societal conventions rather than tip toe around the ton. Highlander romances are even more iffy – because – don’t throw things at me – I don’t like Scottish brogue. There I said it. It drives me nuts Chopping off all your words like that. Sounds like they’re whorfing up a hairball to me. lol
I was pleasantly surprised with The Taming of Malcolm Grant and that’s thanks to a feisty heroine who breaks the innocent virgin mold. She is an innocent virgin but she’s also smart, resourceful and not afraid to speak her mind. She also happens to be blind. While it is somewhat limiting – it doesn’t stop Emma from becoming a skilled healer or grabbing onto the joys of life.
Malcolm has the standard rogue reputation, but as with Emma, he breaks the stereotype. He’s a good man. Someone who wants more than a life of drink and women. He’s just not sure he’ll ever be able to find it.
Emma and Malcolm have excellent chemistry together. She’s honest and fearless and he respects her for it. He doesn’t coddle or protect her as others do because of her blindness. It was fun watching them fall in love.The Taming of Malcolm Grant is full of romance, action, betrayal and heartache.
I have to say that the last third felt a little overstuffed with multiple pov’s from villains and from characters that felt like more of a setup for their books (I’m assuming). It took me away from the main couple more than I would have liked and had a rushed feel – but it was still an action packed conclusion.
Even with that minor quibble, I loved it and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. Malcolm’s brother is up next and that promises to be a pretty intense story after the events of this book. I would also like to go back and read The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #2). From the way Malcolm talks about his sister Caitrina and her life aboard a pirate ship, it sounds like a lot of fun.
Source: ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Historical Romance can be a bit hit or miss with me. I tend to like the stories that break societal conventions rather than tip toe around the ton. Highlander romances are even more iffy – because – don’t throw things at me – I don’t like Scottish brogue. There I said it. It drives me nuts Chopping off all your words like that. Sounds like they’re whorfing up a hairball to me. lol
I was pleasantly surprised with The Taming of Malcolm Grant and that’s thanks to a feisty heroine who breaks the innocent virgin mold. She is an innocent virgin but she’s also smart, resourceful and not afraid to speak her mind. She also happens to be blind. While it is somewhat limiting – it doesn’t stop Emma from becoming a skilled healer or grabbing onto the joys of life.
Malcolm has the standard rogue reputation, but as with Emma, he breaks the stereotype. He’s a good man. Someone who wants more than a life of drink and women. He’s just not sure he’ll ever be able to find it.
Emma and Malcolm have excellent chemistry together. She’s honest and fearless and he respects her for it. He doesn’t coddle or protect her as others do because of her blindness. It was fun watching them fall in love.The Taming of Malcolm Grant is full of romance, action, betrayal and heartache.
I have to say that the last third felt a little overstuffed with multiple pov’s from villains and from characters that felt like more of a setup for their books (I’m assuming). It took me away from the main couple more than I would have liked and had a rushed feel – but it was still an action packed conclusion.
Even with that minor quibble, I loved it and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. Malcolm’s brother is up next and that promises to be a pretty intense story after the events of this book. I would also like to go back and read The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #2). From the way Malcolm talks about his sister Caitrina and her life aboard a pirate ship, it sounds like a lot of fun.
September 29, 2015
Malcolm decided it was time his brother, Carlean had a visit to the Fortune’s Smile to end his status as a virgin. After arriving at the brothel Malcolm and his brother have to be nursed back to health by the owner’s sister, Emmaline, after they were in a fight where the brother of a very bad man is killed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found the hero, Malcolm Grant to be very yummy. He thought he could use his considerable charm and good looks to get what he wanted in life until he met Emmaline.
Emmaline as a heroine was extremely brave and resourceful as she didn’t let a little thing like being blind stop her from doing what she wanted in life. She was able to care for the ill and injured, she often took walks with her much loved and trusted dog to guide her. She was a strong woman with a strong opinion also being a loving and giving person.
The plot for this story moved very quickly which I always appreciate in a book. I loved the fact that Highlanders/Scotland is a character all on it’s own in this story as well as others by Paula Quinn. The scenes with the ocean were some of my favorites as well. This story had a lot of passion and finally romance once the H&H figured out they wanted each other and no one else. There is also a very bad man, and a couple of not so nice people in this story. So there is a little something for everyone to enjoy!
I received this book from the publisher as an ARC for an honest and fair review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found the hero, Malcolm Grant to be very yummy. He thought he could use his considerable charm and good looks to get what he wanted in life until he met Emmaline.
Emmaline as a heroine was extremely brave and resourceful as she didn’t let a little thing like being blind stop her from doing what she wanted in life. She was able to care for the ill and injured, she often took walks with her much loved and trusted dog to guide her. She was a strong woman with a strong opinion also being a loving and giving person.
The plot for this story moved very quickly which I always appreciate in a book. I loved the fact that Highlanders/Scotland is a character all on it’s own in this story as well as others by Paula Quinn. The scenes with the ocean were some of my favorites as well. This story had a lot of passion and finally romance once the H&H figured out they wanted each other and no one else. There is also a very bad man, and a couple of not so nice people in this story. So there is a little something for everyone to enjoy!
I received this book from the publisher as an ARC for an honest and fair review.
January 23, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Paula Quinn so I was not familiar with Malcolm Grant. Luckily, that made no difference in this book. His reputation was teased out in the book and it became clear from the beginning that he was a sexy rake who enjoyed women and could leave them in a heartbeat. That is, until he meets blind Emma Grey. Her quiet presence and her never quit attitude begins to thaw the rugged Highlander's heart.
I absolutely adored Emma. She was fierce and intelligent and not the least bit meek despite being blind. Though she couldn't see with her eyes, the world around her opened their secrets to her skilled hands. Ms. Quinn does a fantastic job of giving us a heroine who is inspiring, brave and romantic. Her interactions with Malcolm are priceless and she can leave the handsome rake flustered with just a hint of a smile. There were a couple of good twists and turns along the way that only added to the enjoyment of this book. I plan of reading more of Ms. Quinn's Highlander stories. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchanged for a fair and honest review.
I absolutely adored Emma. She was fierce and intelligent and not the least bit meek despite being blind. Though she couldn't see with her eyes, the world around her opened their secrets to her skilled hands. Ms. Quinn does a fantastic job of giving us a heroine who is inspiring, brave and romantic. Her interactions with Malcolm are priceless and she can leave the handsome rake flustered with just a hint of a smile. There were a couple of good twists and turns along the way that only added to the enjoyment of this book. I plan of reading more of Ms. Quinn's Highlander stories. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchanged for a fair and honest review.
September 8, 2015
Not only was Malcolm Grant tamed, but this reader's undivided attention was captured in the latest work by the incomparable Paula Quinn! The fourth book in her Highland Heirs series, this was a lovely story of finding good in oneself and others. This author beautifully demonstrated how finding love does not require your eyes, but your heart. Creating more than a few misty-eyed moments, the purity and sweetness in the awakening of genuine love between the characters was remarkable and touching. Ms. Quinn deftly juxtaposed the hero's outer strength against the heroine's inner strength for a wonderfully symbiotic display of partnership at its best. Full of all the historic tidbits, past character updatea, action and romance that this author is know for, The Taming of Malcolm Grant can be added as yet another success in this author's illustrious body of work.
*I received this Arc via Netgalley.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
*I received this Arc via Netgalley.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
September 28, 2015
With this book, Highland Heirs series is now on the fourth installment and as the previous three, I loved it a lot, possibly making this one my favorite of the four and the reason for it was the heroine, Emma.
What a wonderful character she was!
She is one fierce and fiercely independent woman; an intelligent and capable healer and beautiful from within as much as out.
And then there’s Malcolm! I loved the complexity of his character. This was not your run of the mill Highland hero. He was flawed; stubborn and arrogant, yet honorable. But what made him so endearing to me was his honesty with himself. Like I said, this is one very complicated man.
As for the chemistry between these two? It was off the charts!
If you’re in the mood for a fast paced, well plotted and written Highland adventure with two very complex and entertaining protagonists, you need to read this story.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
What a wonderful character she was!
She is one fierce and fiercely independent woman; an intelligent and capable healer and beautiful from within as much as out.
And then there’s Malcolm! I loved the complexity of his character. This was not your run of the mill Highland hero. He was flawed; stubborn and arrogant, yet honorable. But what made him so endearing to me was his honesty with himself. Like I said, this is one very complicated man.
As for the chemistry between these two? It was off the charts!
If you’re in the mood for a fast paced, well plotted and written Highland adventure with two very complex and entertaining protagonists, you need to read this story.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
October 13, 2015
Each time Paula Quinn releases a new book, my bagpipe practice gets put off for a wee bit. This time was no exception when reading "The Taming of Malcolm Grant". She is able to keep the reader engaged and interested. She creates characters that one really cares about and the plot never has the twist that you think it is going to have. For these reasons I look forward to her next book. My bagpipe teacher, maybe not so much.
September 8, 2015
Malcolm is so sexy, “and I cannot think straight when your lips are so close.” He dragged her deeper, closer, pressed her against him while he bent to kiss her. His mouth covered hers like fire..." Malcolm is like an animal, "he groaned like a wounded animal and cupped his hands around her buttocks, covering them." I liked this book Malcolm was charming, and sweet and caring.
September 9, 2015
`I won this book from Goodreads. It is in the Highland Heirs series of books. Emmaline Grey spends her days dreaming of the sea but she is blind. She helps treat him for wounds and the ending I will not give away.
September 27, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book. It is a fantastic book. I would recommend this book to any one who loves a great romance. This is not your usual story there are many different twists that will surprise you !
August 2, 2015
I loved it !
Reviewed for Night Owl Reviews.
Reviewed for Night Owl Reviews.
November 24, 2024
Rather boring, the book had too much romance (spelled out explicitly) and not enough story line.
June 7, 2025
Though it was worth the effort for 75% of the time, this book finally became just too predictable to go on. I even read the Epilogue to verify the outcome I expected. Since this Highland romance is one of the first of that genre for me, perhaps it is merely representative of that ilk. Whatever. Most of the Scottish warriors are interchangeable: large, brawny, fearsome, relentless, loyal. The women are more individualized/unique. Few, if any, children populate the narrative. Overall, I would give this novel a “C.”
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