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Duncurra #1
Highland Solution
Niall MacIan, a Highland laird, desperately needs funds to save his impoverished clan. Lady Katherine Ruthven, a lowland heiress, is rumored to be “unmarriageable” and her uncle hopes to be granted her title and lands when the king sends her to a convent. King David II anxious to strengthen his alliances sees a solution that will give Ruthven the title he wants, and MacIan the money he needs. Laird MacIan will receive Lady Katherine’s hand along with her substantial dowry and her uncle will receive her lands and title.
Lady Katherine must forfeit everything in exchange for a husband who does not want to be married and believes all women to be self-centered and deceitful. Can the lovely and gentle Katherine mend his heart and build a life with him or will he allow the treachery of others to destroy them?
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 2, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 11, 2020
Good but not great. Since this is a new author -- Giltenan's début novel -- I will try to be thorough. The author shows potential. She writes well. Few typos. Good sentence structure. Not a lot of crude language. Some fairly hot love scenes. A coherent plot. A protective heroine very reminiscent of Julie Garwood's style, as in Ransom. Some lovable secondary characters. A well-developed Scottish setting, about 1380.
This is a sweet Highlander story, very similar to Garwood's Saving Grace, because there is an impoverished Laird who marries an heiress to restore his lands, a motherless boy, and a heroine who has suffered horrible beatings.
The relationship / romance between Laird Niall McIan and Lady Katherine also channeled Julie Garwood. I could almost hear echoes of her Highlanders, but where Garwood's guys are vivid, sizzling with sexual chemisty, and somehow HUGELY IN LOVE, this hero fell a bit flat. I didn't like him quite as much; he was too quick to make assumptions.
However, a BIG plus is that there were no long drawn-out misunderstandings between Niall and Katherine.
For me, some of the most enjoyable scenes involved little Tomas, the orphan boy, and the Laird's brother, Fingal. Very well done! I also liked how the final plot twist about Fingal was resolved. Heartwarming.
I felt all problems were resolved too quickly and easily. For example, the Highland serving women initially sneered at Lady Katherine because she was a Lowlander and didn't wear a kertch on her head. Action was taken, and in one single stroke that problem was completely resolved. Everyone warmly welcomed Katherine -- and sincerely, too. If only prejudice were truly resolved so readily. A better portrayal of the insular exclusion Highland women exhibit is portrayed in Never Seduce a Scot, by Maya Banks. In that book, the heroine had to work long and hard to gain acceptance from the Laird's housekeeper.
Highland Solution is a bit pedantic. For example, there was a brief history lesson about the kertch: why it is worn, what the triangular shaped cloth symbolizes, how it is first blessed upon the new bride's head. There were mini-lessons in this book about medieval apparel, weapons, fortresses. Can you say port-cull-iss? These bits stuck out a little -- they were not integrated seamlessly into the story. But kudos to the author for trying to steep the story into the old Scottish setting. It's more than some authors do. And I was happy to read again about herbs -- the bog bean and the marsh mallow. (Wonderful bog bean scene in A Heart Too Proud, by Laura London).
I love to chuckle when I read, and I chuckled here a few times. However, in too many scenes, the Highlanders would laugh at something Lady K did or said, while I didn't even smile. It just wasn't funny to me. Just saying that they all laughed with mirth till tears streamed down their faces doesn't make it funny. It is hard to write truly humorous scenes, I suppose. The author needs to keep trying.
The villain? He was obvious from the beginning. But I didn't guess the whole villainous plot. I didn't guess all his cohorts, either.
Julie Garwood is one of my favorite authors. This book is remarkably similar to her historical Highland romances. I hope Ceci Giltenan continues to perfect her craft. She shows promise.
This is a sweet Highlander story, very similar to Garwood's Saving Grace, because there is an impoverished Laird who marries an heiress to restore his lands, a motherless boy, and a heroine who has suffered horrible beatings.
The relationship / romance between Laird Niall McIan and Lady Katherine also channeled Julie Garwood. I could almost hear echoes of her Highlanders, but where Garwood's guys are vivid, sizzling with sexual chemisty, and somehow HUGELY IN LOVE, this hero fell a bit flat. I didn't like him quite as much; he was too quick to make assumptions.
However, a BIG plus is that there were no long drawn-out misunderstandings between Niall and Katherine.
For me, some of the most enjoyable scenes involved little Tomas, the orphan boy, and the Laird's brother, Fingal. Very well done! I also liked how the final plot twist about Fingal was resolved. Heartwarming.
I felt all problems were resolved too quickly and easily. For example, the Highland serving women initially sneered at Lady Katherine because she was a Lowlander and didn't wear a kertch on her head. Action was taken, and in one single stroke that problem was completely resolved. Everyone warmly welcomed Katherine -- and sincerely, too. If only prejudice were truly resolved so readily. A better portrayal of the insular exclusion Highland women exhibit is portrayed in Never Seduce a Scot, by Maya Banks. In that book, the heroine had to work long and hard to gain acceptance from the Laird's housekeeper.
Highland Solution is a bit pedantic. For example, there was a brief history lesson about the kertch: why it is worn, what the triangular shaped cloth symbolizes, how it is first blessed upon the new bride's head. There were mini-lessons in this book about medieval apparel, weapons, fortresses. Can you say port-cull-iss? These bits stuck out a little -- they were not integrated seamlessly into the story. But kudos to the author for trying to steep the story into the old Scottish setting. It's more than some authors do. And I was happy to read again about herbs -- the bog bean and the marsh mallow. (Wonderful bog bean scene in A Heart Too Proud, by Laura London).
I love to chuckle when I read, and I chuckled here a few times. However, in too many scenes, the Highlanders would laugh at something Lady K did or said, while I didn't even smile. It just wasn't funny to me. Just saying that they all laughed with mirth till tears streamed down their faces doesn't make it funny. It is hard to write truly humorous scenes, I suppose. The author needs to keep trying.
The villain? He was obvious from the beginning. But I didn't guess the whole villainous plot. I didn't guess all his cohorts, either.
Julie Garwood is one of my favorite authors. This book is remarkably similar to her historical Highland romances. I hope Ceci Giltenan continues to perfect her craft. She shows promise.
July 13, 2024
Part 1
1 🙈⭐️
Up to date, even the average rating of 3.98 is very high for this book. 🤦🏻♀️
1 🙈⭐️
Up to date, even the average rating of 3.98 is very high for this book. 🤦🏻♀️
August 26, 2022
Read:7/7/20
What a surprisingly delightful read! The h was very inspirational. Despite her abuse, from her uncle she remains a kind, loving person. Me? I would be bitter. Throughout the book she is unselfish. It was a nice change over most immature heroines.
The H was an alpha male with trust issues. Determined to feel nothing for the h ...yea that doesn't last.
The villianise plot was interesting. I figured out the villian easily but still enjoyed the ride. I loved it!
What a surprisingly delightful read! The h was very inspirational. Despite her abuse, from her uncle she remains a kind, loving person. Me? I would be bitter. Throughout the book she is unselfish. It was a nice change over most immature heroines.
The H was an alpha male with trust issues. Determined to feel nothing for the h ...yea that doesn't last.
The villianise plot was interesting. I figured out the villian easily but still enjoyed the ride. I loved it!
October 10, 2023
It was a great fast read. I would give 5 stars if Niall don't be sooo bloody idiot! I was furious with him. He was totally blind, always misjudged and aaaahhhh idiot!! I really liked the heroin, Katherine. Thumbs up with her caring and sweet towards others. Oh and I love Finlay too.
Ok.. next book please. I'm hoping the best story of Tadhg Matheson.
Ok.. next book please. I'm hoping the best story of Tadhg Matheson.
November 29, 2024
It is hard to believe this is Ms Giltenan's first novel. It is an extremely well written book that held my attention from page one until I closed the book. I loved every aspect of this novel.
More times than not these days I get frustrated by the ongoing conflict between lead characters, the misunderstandings and stubbornness of the heroine in particular. I was extremely pleased that none of my pet hates were found in this book. Yes, Niall had difficulties trusting people and on a few occasions his behaviour was poor, but he admitted when he was wrong and rectified the problem. I have absolutely nothing I disliked in this book…for me it was perfect, just what I wanted!
The characters both primary and secondary were very well written and each added to the overall story. It was lovely watching the relationship between Niall and Lady Katherine unfold. It was believable and what I liked most was any conflict was short lived and solved quickly. I also liked the secondary characters of Fingal and Tomas in particular. Ms Giltenan is one of the few authors who can successfully write child characters into her novels. Tomas, a ten year old orphan, plays an important role in the story and added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to more books by this very talented author.
More times than not these days I get frustrated by the ongoing conflict between lead characters, the misunderstandings and stubbornness of the heroine in particular. I was extremely pleased that none of my pet hates were found in this book. Yes, Niall had difficulties trusting people and on a few occasions his behaviour was poor, but he admitted when he was wrong and rectified the problem. I have absolutely nothing I disliked in this book…for me it was perfect, just what I wanted!
The characters both primary and secondary were very well written and each added to the overall story. It was lovely watching the relationship between Niall and Lady Katherine unfold. It was believable and what I liked most was any conflict was short lived and solved quickly. I also liked the secondary characters of Fingal and Tomas in particular. Ms Giltenan is one of the few authors who can successfully write child characters into her novels. Tomas, a ten year old orphan, plays an important role in the story and added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to more books by this very talented author.
January 15, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.
My first book by this author. The book feels like Julie Garwood Ransom, Saving Grace but I didn't mind cause I liked those books. I liked the heroine, she is definitely an intelligent woman. But the hero continuously irritated me. I have read a few damn stupid heroes in my reading life and he is one of the top-rated stupid heroes. The evil women & evil man continuously manipulated him and he trusts them more than he trusts his wife and brother, he can't even bother to listen to their point either before arriving at a conclusion. He is short-tempered, impulsive, illogical, impractical and clearly doesn't know whom should he trust and whom he shouldn't. And he calls himself a laird. Because of his blind trust in another man, he practically endangered the clan and his family's life. He would have lost everything if his brother and wife didn't save his arse. I suppose his younger brother would have been a better laird than him. I liked the brother more than I liked the hero. Even I liked the fellow who appears in the second book of the series but the hero.
The author is new to me and her writing style is good. The book may have a vibe like you are reading a Julie Garwood book but she has potential. I would definitely look for her other books in the series.
My first book by this author. The book feels like Julie Garwood Ransom, Saving Grace but I didn't mind cause I liked those books. I liked the heroine, she is definitely an intelligent woman. But the hero continuously irritated me. I have read a few damn stupid heroes in my reading life and he is one of the top-rated stupid heroes. The evil women & evil man continuously manipulated him and he trusts them more than he trusts his wife and brother, he can't even bother to listen to their point either before arriving at a conclusion. He is short-tempered, impulsive, illogical, impractical and clearly doesn't know whom should he trust and whom he shouldn't. And he calls himself a laird. Because of his blind trust in another man, he practically endangered the clan and his family's life. He would have lost everything if his brother and wife didn't save his arse. I suppose his younger brother would have been a better laird than him. I liked the brother more than I liked the hero. Even I liked the fellow who appears in the second book of the series but the hero.
The author is new to me and her writing style is good. The book may have a vibe like you are reading a Julie Garwood book but she has potential. I would definitely look for her other books in the series.
January 23, 2015
In the end, Niall was too stupid to love. And honestly, his bad protecting skills, reason to listen or believe, bad judgement and judge of character skills, and temper are what killed the story for me.
The story also dragged and glossed over the big battle... So, even though I was loving this book and Niall's initial irritating traits... It just got out of hand and I couldn't handle it any more and that's what made the cookie crumble.
The story also dragged and glossed over the big battle... So, even though I was loving this book and Niall's initial irritating traits... It just got out of hand and I couldn't handle it any more and that's what made the cookie crumble.
September 30, 2013
This is truly a fabulous book one of the best I have read this year. If you like the historical writings of authors such as Diana Gabaldon, Laurin Wittig, Tanya Anne Crosby, Michelle Willingham, Suzan Tisdale, Tarah Scott and Terri Brisbin etc, then I guarantee you will love this awesome book! It is about the heroine Lowlander Wealthy heiress Lady Katherine Ruthven is given a choice by her physically abusive Uncle Ambrose either arranged marriage or the convent ordered by King David II himself. Her nasty Uncle has wanted her wealth and title so badly he invented rumors about Katherine for years to make her undesirable. Now he will finally get the title he has always covered as for Katherine she is just happy to be away from this monster of an Uncle. Not that she has any choice in the matter really as the orders did come from the King. Obviously Katherine chooses marriage well if she chose the convent there wouldn't be much to this story plus she would loose everything even though all her wealth and lands now will belong to her husband to be the hero of this story Highlander Laird Niall,MacIan. He had petitioned the King for a wife since someone is trying to sabotage his impoverished clan and they cannot suffer anymore this is a last resort as he does not exactly have a high opinion of the female gender at all. He realizes the second he meets the beautiful Katherine he cannot just basically take her money and run as he had planned. As the story continues he develops feelings for her and discovers not all women are from the same tree. As they become closed of course there are villain that want to tear the couple apart and distroy Niall and everything her holds dears, as the story unfolds there are so many suprises and find out friends are foes and foes are friends. It is really a fast moving book and the type you keep reading as you can't wait to see how it unfolds and see what happens next. As in every wonderful romance there is a bit of mystery, suspense, and murder besides the love story of theses two souls who really only want to love and be loved. Parts of this books are just so beautiful not just between the the two main characters but also Katherine's way of how she wants to protect and care for other as she does with serf stable boy orphan Tomas as class doesnt divide her as so many ofmher peers.I also enjoyed the secondary characters of Fingal MacIan Niall's half brother and also neighbor Clan Laird Tadhg Matheson, I hope to see them both as in future books by this author as well, also Tomas when he grows up would be lovely as well in a future book. Of course in all wonderful historical romances there are villains and Ethne
Niall's step Mother and Fingal's biological mother fits perfectly in this role. There is also another character in the book allied clan leader Malcolm MacLennon who has been like a dear devoted Uncle since the MacIan brothers were boys but there are many facets to his personality that really surprised me. I will leave it at that. This is one of those stories once you think you have it all figured out there is another twist and turn that really left me dumbfounded. I really love when tat happens in a read. I can not recommend this book enough as it really took me for a wonderful bumpy ride which I enjoyed so much. Ceci writes like a pro and I still can't believe this is her debut book and I look forward to reading more by this author Ceci Giltenan a definite keeper for me! LOVED IT!!!
Niall's step Mother and Fingal's biological mother fits perfectly in this role. There is also another character in the book allied clan leader Malcolm MacLennon who has been like a dear devoted Uncle since the MacIan brothers were boys but there are many facets to his personality that really surprised me. I will leave it at that. This is one of those stories once you think you have it all figured out there is another twist and turn that really left me dumbfounded. I really love when tat happens in a read. I can not recommend this book enough as it really took me for a wonderful bumpy ride which I enjoyed so much. Ceci writes like a pro and I still can't believe this is her debut book and I look forward to reading more by this author Ceci Giltenan a definite keeper for me! LOVED IT!!!
October 30, 2013
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
Niall MacIan's estate is on the brink of ruin, brought about by the extravagance of Niall's stepmother, Eithne. Desperate to save Duncurra and people, Niall seeks the help of King David II, who comes up with a solution: wed Katherine Ruthven and gain her dowry. Despite the rumors about Katherine, about her lack of looks and wits, Niall agrees to the bargain.
Though she is an heiress and mistress of Cotharach Castle, Katherine Ruthven quietly suffers the abuse of her uncle to protect her clan. When she walks into her grand hall and, when her uncle announces that she is either to be wed or be sent to a convent, Katherine chooses the former, believing that it would give her more freedom and a chance at a better life.
Niall is uncertain what to think of his new wife: the rumors about her were obviously false because Katherine is beautiful. He is determined to keep Katherine at arm's length and tries to see their marriage as a business arrangement -- but Katherine's smiles disarm him and her gentle voice touches him in a way he has never felt before.
As they travel to Duncurra, in the Highlands, Katherine realizes that she has to adjust to a new way of life -- thankfully, she has Tomas (a stable boy she rescued from her uncle) and Fingal, Niall's half-brother to guide her and keep her company. Beyond that, she also has to adjust to a new husband, who, as laird, is used to having his orders obeyed implicitly.
Husband and wife test each others' boundaries: she tests how far her husband is willing to bend and how much of his heart he is willing to give. When Niall's stepmother unexpectedly arrives, it further tests Katherine's newfound confidence and authority but, more importantly, it tests Niall: is he willing to listen to his heart and trust his wife or will he fall back into his old ways and mistrust everyone?
Highland Solution is Ceci Giltenan's debut novel and it's a good one. This novel shows that the author has a good sense of story and conflict: Niall is the central character here and it is his transformation that we wait for and witness as the story progresses. In the beginning, our hero is almost misanthropic in his very poor opinion of women -- his past experience with his stepmother (and a woman named Ceana) has colored his view of the opposite sex: Niall believes they are manipulative, wicked and heartless. He carries these prejudices as he travels to marry Katherine, who is his only recourse to save his clan.
But Niall's opinion of Katherine (and of women in general) slowly softens and changes as he witnesses the gentle strength of his wife. Katherine truly blossoms in the Highlands, and I'm glad she had a few champions: Edna, Fingal and Father Colm.
There is another person that Niall is suspicious of: his younger half-brother, Fingal -- this hostility was a little bit more difficult to understand as Fingal never showed any indication of treachery. In fact, I appreciated his point of view in the story: he seemed very sensible and incredibly loyal to the MacIans and to Duncurra.
But, perhaps, his view of his brother was affected by his stepmother -- who loomed over this story like an ominous shadow. When Eithne finally surfaces, I was holding my breath to see how truly evil and despicable she was -- and she doesn't disappoint: this was a wicked stepmother to beat all wicked stepmothers. (Read about her arrival in Chapter 13.)
This development in the story also marked the beginning of my frustration with Niall, who I wished defended Katherine more -- but Niall was just as wary of his stepmother as everyone else was and avoided any confrontation with her. Niall's difficulties continued to snowball when he hears reports that a rival clan, the Mathesons, were planning to attack his keep. Besieged within his own household and threatened outside, Niall has no choice but to trust his instincts.
Niall comes across as a bit stubborn and somewhat blind to his wife's troubles with his stepmother, but he is aware of his failings:
To his credit, when Niall gets it, he really gets it. ^_^ I thought Ceci Giltenan captured very clearly the precarious nature of "politics" in the Highlands -- Niall valiantly tries to provide stability for his clan and has done so quite admirably, despite his stepmother's interference. The excitement builds in the latter part of the story and the author shows us how all the pieces of the puzzle fit: Niall, his stepmother, the Mathesons, Katherine, etc.
There are two aspects of the story, which I hoped the author fleshed out more: the first was the fate of the Ruthvan holdings. It didn't sit very well with me that Katherine's evil uncle gained ownership of Cotharach Castle just like that. And the second, who Ceana was to Niall.
Overall, an enjoyable Highland read.
* * *
Niall MacIan's estate is on the brink of ruin, brought about by the extravagance of Niall's stepmother, Eithne. Desperate to save Duncurra and people, Niall seeks the help of King David II, who comes up with a solution: wed Katherine Ruthven and gain her dowry. Despite the rumors about Katherine, about her lack of looks and wits, Niall agrees to the bargain.
Though she is an heiress and mistress of Cotharach Castle, Katherine Ruthven quietly suffers the abuse of her uncle to protect her clan. When she walks into her grand hall and, when her uncle announces that she is either to be wed or be sent to a convent, Katherine chooses the former, believing that it would give her more freedom and a chance at a better life.
Niall is uncertain what to think of his new wife: the rumors about her were obviously false because Katherine is beautiful. He is determined to keep Katherine at arm's length and tries to see their marriage as a business arrangement -- but Katherine's smiles disarm him and her gentle voice touches him in a way he has never felt before.
As they travel to Duncurra, in the Highlands, Katherine realizes that she has to adjust to a new way of life -- thankfully, she has Tomas (a stable boy she rescued from her uncle) and Fingal, Niall's half-brother to guide her and keep her company. Beyond that, she also has to adjust to a new husband, who, as laird, is used to having his orders obeyed implicitly.
Husband and wife test each others' boundaries: she tests how far her husband is willing to bend and how much of his heart he is willing to give. When Niall's stepmother unexpectedly arrives, it further tests Katherine's newfound confidence and authority but, more importantly, it tests Niall: is he willing to listen to his heart and trust his wife or will he fall back into his old ways and mistrust everyone?
Highland Solution is Ceci Giltenan's debut novel and it's a good one. This novel shows that the author has a good sense of story and conflict: Niall is the central character here and it is his transformation that we wait for and witness as the story progresses. In the beginning, our hero is almost misanthropic in his very poor opinion of women -- his past experience with his stepmother (and a woman named Ceana) has colored his view of the opposite sex: Niall believes they are manipulative, wicked and heartless. He carries these prejudices as he travels to marry Katherine, who is his only recourse to save his clan.
He knew very well what master manipulators women could be. Would he never learn? He only wanted this illusion to be true, so the sooner he drove out these romantic notions, the better.
- loc 298
But Niall's opinion of Katherine (and of women in general) slowly softens and changes as he witnesses the gentle strength of his wife. Katherine truly blossoms in the Highlands, and I'm glad she had a few champions: Edna, Fingal and Father Colm.
There is another person that Niall is suspicious of: his younger half-brother, Fingal -- this hostility was a little bit more difficult to understand as Fingal never showed any indication of treachery. In fact, I appreciated his point of view in the story: he seemed very sensible and incredibly loyal to the MacIans and to Duncurra.
Fingal tried one last time, speaking very lowly, "Niall, she is my mother and that is only by sad chance. She has never been a real mother to either of us. She doesn't have the capacity to love anyone but herself, and still ye give her free rein over your clan. Ye have a wife who has given ye her heart, and yet ye are letting the same woman who destroyed ye destroy her as well."
- loc 1788
But, perhaps, his view of his brother was affected by his stepmother -- who loomed over this story like an ominous shadow. When Eithne finally surfaces, I was holding my breath to see how truly evil and despicable she was -- and she doesn't disappoint: this was a wicked stepmother to beat all wicked stepmothers. (Read about her arrival in Chapter 13.)
This development in the story also marked the beginning of my frustration with Niall, who I wished defended Katherine more -- but Niall was just as wary of his stepmother as everyone else was and avoided any confrontation with her. Niall's difficulties continued to snowball when he hears reports that a rival clan, the Mathesons, were planning to attack his keep. Besieged within his own household and threatened outside, Niall has no choice but to trust his instincts.
Niall comes across as a bit stubborn and somewhat blind to his wife's troubles with his stepmother, but he is aware of his failings:
"Aye, lass, I will try," he said with a grin, "but I fear I am a very flawed man, and set in my ways. It may take a few tries before I get the knack of it."
- loc 1386
To his credit, when Niall gets it, he really gets it. ^_^ I thought Ceci Giltenan captured very clearly the precarious nature of "politics" in the Highlands -- Niall valiantly tries to provide stability for his clan and has done so quite admirably, despite his stepmother's interference. The excitement builds in the latter part of the story and the author shows us how all the pieces of the puzzle fit: Niall, his stepmother, the Mathesons, Katherine, etc.
There are two aspects of the story, which I hoped the author fleshed out more: the first was the fate of the Ruthvan holdings. It didn't sit very well with me that Katherine's evil uncle gained ownership of Cotharach Castle just like that. And the second, who Ceana was to Niall.
Overall, an enjoyable Highland read.
July 14, 2016
Reviewing as I read because I'm keeping track of what I'm taking off stars for. Starting at 5/5
4/5: Niall isn't even trying to change. And it's taking him too long to correct his mistakes when he should know how Katherine is by now. 3/5: Niall's irrational jealously and still no explanation why he distrusts Fingal that I've seen. 2/5: Niall apparently doesn't have a brain. He just went telling everyone who is anyone what Tomas overheard and then compounding the stupidity by sharing Katherine's news as well. 1/5: I've officially lost all respect for Niall. He used none of his brain cells and became consumed with rage and didn't even stop to think first. Niall has no friends as far as I can see from what I just read. No one comes up with any solutions, no one acts as a sounding board, no one even engages him in worthwhile conversation and absolutely none of his so called guard has brain cells either. Dumb as a box of rocks, especially when the culprit was sowing blatant seeds of doubt. Sigh. I cannot believe Niall is so dumb; that all the men around him are so dumb. He has not investigated anything, questioned anything. In essence, he is still a blind idiot. I wish Fingal was the hero of this story instead of this BDI (blind, dumb idiot as he shall henceforth be known). Seriously BDI is TSTL.
I'm glad this over. At least it ended on a funny note, thanks Tomas.
4/5: Niall isn't even trying to change. And it's taking him too long to correct his mistakes when he should know how Katherine is by now. 3/5: Niall's irrational jealously and still no explanation why he distrusts Fingal that I've seen. 2/5: Niall apparently doesn't have a brain. He just went telling everyone who is anyone what Tomas overheard and then compounding the stupidity by sharing Katherine's news as well. 1/5: I've officially lost all respect for Niall. He used none of his brain cells and became consumed with rage and didn't even stop to think first. Niall has no friends as far as I can see from what I just read. No one comes up with any solutions, no one acts as a sounding board, no one even engages him in worthwhile conversation and absolutely none of his so called guard has brain cells either. Dumb as a box of rocks, especially when the culprit was sowing blatant seeds of doubt. Sigh. I cannot believe Niall is so dumb; that all the men around him are so dumb. He has not investigated anything, questioned anything. In essence, he is still a blind idiot. I wish Fingal was the hero of this story instead of this BDI (blind, dumb idiot as he shall henceforth be known). Seriously BDI is TSTL.
I'm glad this over. At least it ended on a funny note, thanks Tomas.
July 7, 2022
I expected this to have some good angst and groveling but it did not.
This hero is one of the worst I have ever read and honestly he should have fallen of a cliff.
The man has issues with an ex and his stepmother and he makes the Fmc pay for their sins. He is domineering, lacks the ability to communicate and is so arrogant!
He is so obstinate and convinced his brother is up to no good, when in fact his brother is the smartest character in the book and he deserved to be laird, Not this fool.
The villain was so obvious and the fact that MMC would not listen to the 5 different people telling him that, shows he deserves to fall of a cliff.
This idiot accuses literally every person of doing wrong except the actual villains.
I would rather the FMC have become a widow and she marry the brother. They deserved the HEA, not this fool.
This hero is one of the worst I have ever read and honestly he should have fallen of a cliff.
The man has issues with an ex and his stepmother and he makes the Fmc pay for their sins. He is domineering, lacks the ability to communicate and is so arrogant!
He is so obstinate and convinced his brother is up to no good, when in fact his brother is the smartest character in the book and he deserved to be laird, Not this fool.
The villain was so obvious and the fact that MMC would not listen to the 5 different people telling him that, shows he deserves to fall of a cliff.
This idiot accuses literally every person of doing wrong except the actual villains.
I would rather the FMC have become a widow and she marry the brother. They deserved the HEA, not this fool.
September 20, 2013
4.5 stars, I really liked this book. How can you not LOVE a good highlander story? Hero was awesome, he wanted to close off his heart, but he couldn't. Heroine was great, she suffered under her uncle's rule, but she was smart and loyal and took care of a stable boy that needed her help. Villains were fun to hate. Oh, the scene when her mother-in-law shows up! Kind of reminded me of Julie Garwood's older highlander novels, maybe a little steamier, but not much. This book is really close to landing on my favorite's list!
September 1, 2022
The H was so stupid and arrogant, he actually got his people killed. He stubbornly refused to listen to the h, shaming her. She was so much smarter but he listened to the baddies, not his wife or half brother or his men. I finished it because I wanted the h to leave him, sadly she was in luuuuve and stayed. Just no.
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April 6, 20143.5/5 stars
Possession of an abundant dowry and bonny appearance hasn’t brought suitors to Lady Katherine Ruthven’s Lowland castle or spared her from her uncle’s cruelty. When presented with the choice of entering a convent or marrying Niall MacIan, Katherine chooses the Highland laird. Their unexpectedly passionate wedding kiss seems promising, but Niall has experienced a woman’s duplicity. Highland raids, treacherous whispers, and a suspicious heart – all these factors could lead to misery. Who could have guessed falling in love would be the easy part?
A Highland laird flustered by his lady, love and acceptance craved by a gutsy woman who refuses to be beaten down blend with humorous and touching moments to make “Highland Solution” a sweet historical romance.
Read the full review in the 2014 April InD'tale issue.
Possession of an abundant dowry and bonny appearance hasn’t brought suitors to Lady Katherine Ruthven’s Lowland castle or spared her from her uncle’s cruelty. When presented with the choice of entering a convent or marrying Niall MacIan, Katherine chooses the Highland laird. Their unexpectedly passionate wedding kiss seems promising, but Niall has experienced a woman’s duplicity. Highland raids, treacherous whispers, and a suspicious heart – all these factors could lead to misery. Who could have guessed falling in love would be the easy part?
A Highland laird flustered by his lady, love and acceptance craved by a gutsy woman who refuses to be beaten down blend with humorous and touching moments to make “Highland Solution” a sweet historical romance.
Read the full review in the 2014 April InD'tale issue.
May 13, 2014
This is the authors first time out writing a historical romance, you wont be disappointed either. This book is great. I love all the characters and hope she continues with this into a series. I really like the story itself. You think you would hate having an arranged marriage, but sometimes things work out that way for the better, even with evil uncles and stepmother on your back. The book has twists, turns and a great story line. You will love this book.
October 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and have added it to my TBR Again pile. I had a few moments of concern with the hero always choosing to believe the worst of his wife and brother, but when presented with the truth at least he admitted he'd been wrong. I liked that we saw life in the highlands as a challenge rather than idyllic and love is a bumpy journey.
September 11, 2013
Loved it. ;-)
September 25, 2017
This is my third read of this book. I received an ARC in December 2013. I enjoyed it just as much the second (2014) and third times (2017) I read it. Definitely a keeper!
October 23, 2013
It was an emotional page turner from the moment Katherine had to give up her beloved horse Stormy to the very end. I can't wait for book 2.
February 13, 2017
3.5
I never read Highlander romance, but I was in a reading challenge where I needed an easy read with someone wearing a kilt on the cover. Enter: Highlander romance
Better than I figured, Giltenan's writing style was smooth and natural. Dialogue didn't annoy, even including the "ye". Kilts were mentioned once or twice but nothing newsworthy. The storyline was strong for a romance as well - Katherine as the headstrong but loyal girl is sent off by a demented Uncle that beat her and used for money, traded to an impoverished Highlander in a twist I didn't fully understand that involved a king. He had a hardened heart by experience, but that changed of course.
The romance part wasn't the best part - I enjoyed the brother Fingal, the adorable child Tomas, the faithful household staff with spirit, Katherine (while not unusual, she was a good heroine), and the plot of treachery. It wasn't unpredictable but it was a nicely layered betrayal that wasn't ended simply.
It may have rated four stars except I didn't like the male lead and the author overdid some of the boring bedroom stuff. He was headstrong and changing but still overall not a winning personality by any means. Yech.
I never read Highlander romance, but I was in a reading challenge where I needed an easy read with someone wearing a kilt on the cover. Enter: Highlander romance
Better than I figured, Giltenan's writing style was smooth and natural. Dialogue didn't annoy, even including the "ye". Kilts were mentioned once or twice but nothing newsworthy. The storyline was strong for a romance as well - Katherine as the headstrong but loyal girl is sent off by a demented Uncle that beat her and used for money, traded to an impoverished Highlander in a twist I didn't fully understand that involved a king. He had a hardened heart by experience, but that changed of course.
The romance part wasn't the best part - I enjoyed the brother Fingal, the adorable child Tomas, the faithful household staff with spirit, Katherine (while not unusual, she was a good heroine), and the plot of treachery. It wasn't unpredictable but it was a nicely layered betrayal that wasn't ended simply.
It may have rated four stars except I didn't like the male lead and the author overdid some of the boring bedroom stuff. He was headstrong and changing but still overall not a winning personality by any means. Yech.
March 30, 2014
It has been a LONG while since I have read a book in 2 days, Highland Solution captured me from the beginning,
I truly enjoyed Neil & Katherine's Journey,
Katherine was easy to love from beginning Neil Not so much (JK ) their were times when I wanted to smack him he was So desperate for Love that he overlooked what was FREELY given from His Clan His EEleet Guard (Thomas was a wee Gem) & yes His bride & adopted son.
This will not be the last book I read of Ceci's I am looking forward to reading Fingal's story I know he has to have one...
My only thing I did not like about this book THE END I wanted it to go on & on..
Thank you Ceci .....
I truly enjoyed Neil & Katherine's Journey,
Katherine was easy to love from beginning Neil Not so much (JK ) their were times when I wanted to smack him he was So desperate for Love that he overlooked what was FREELY given from His Clan His EEleet Guard (Thomas was a wee Gem) & yes His bride & adopted son.
This will not be the last book I read of Ceci's I am looking forward to reading Fingal's story I know he has to have one...
My only thing I did not like about this book THE END I wanted it to go on & on..
Thank you Ceci .....
July 29, 2015
good book but not great, it's a fact.
I think the story was strong for 70% but fell short in the last 30%. plots are predictable and the last 30% just was a little boring. but I have to say I enjoyed reading the book. it's not a blah book. it's a book that could have been really great.
I think the story was strong for 70% but fell short in the last 30%. plots are predictable and the last 30% just was a little boring. but I have to say I enjoyed reading the book. it's not a blah book. it's a book that could have been really great.
January 12, 2014
Fantastic story. I really enjoyed it. I am so looking forward to reading more from this author. I greatly appreciate her for gifting it to me. THANK YOU!
June 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Good story line. I didn't want to stop reading and now look forward to the rest of the series.
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June 19, 2016This one is entirely my fault because I'm in the mood for a bit more. I know that doesn't make sense but didn't hold my interest.
Next. (I won't be rating it as I didn't get past chapter 1)
Next. (I won't be rating it as I didn't get past chapter 1)
July 21, 2017
TSTL hero!
November 17, 2021
Леърд Найл Масиан и лейди Катрин
Найл е леърд на планинският клан Масиан. След смъртта на баща му, Найл осъзнава, че мащехата му почти е довела клана до просешка тояга, с разточителният си живот в кралският двор в Единбург. Клана му е беден и е обречен на гладна смърт, ако Найл не направи нещо по въпроса. Измамен от жена, в която е мислил, че е влюбен, той вече не вярва в любовта и няма намерение да се жени, но когато търси помощ от краля и му е предложена булка с огромна зестра, Найл трябва да мисли за клана си, затова решава да вземе за жена лейди Катрин, за която се говори, че е толкова грозна, противна и с ужасен характер, че въпреки гигантската й зестра никой не иска да я вземе за жена. Тръгвайки с тази мисъл, Найл е повече от удивен, когато открива, че Катрин въобще не е това, което му е казано.
След смъртта на баща й, когато е едва дете, Катрин е поставена под опеката на чичо си, който е зъл човек обичащ да наранява и принизява хората. През годините Катрин е научила, че не трябва да показва привързаност към никой, защото чичо й ще го използва срещу нея. Но проблемът е, че Катрин е вярна на своите хора и често за да защити някой бива пребивана от чичо си. Когато един ден й е съобщено, че кралят й е уредил брак и от нея се очаква да напусне дома си още същият ден. Кралят й дава два избора. Да се омъжи занепознатият планински леър, носейки му богата зестра и оставяйки земите и титлите на баща си в ръцетен на чичо й, или да се оттегли в манастир, зестрата й да бъде дадена на годеника й, а титлата и земята отново на чичо й. Катрин знае, че не е създадена за монахиня, по тази причина решава да рискува и да се омъжи за непознатият лорд, надявайки се, че ще има едно по-добро бъдеще за нея и за малкото момче, за което се е зарекла да се грижи.
Това е първата книга, която чета от тази авторка. Имах желание да я прочета от много време, но все не й идваше реда. Мога най-искрено да кажа, че съм влюбена в историите на авторката. Харесва ми начина й на писане, харесват ми героите и историята. Катрин беше чудесна героиня, мила, сладка и доста изстрадала. Найл на момента се държеше като магаре и в сляпата си вяра в някои хора направи не една грешка, но адски много ми хареса любовната история между него и Катрин, как се сближиха и влюбиха един в друг. Бяха супер сладка двойка. Злодея го знаех от самото начало. Още като видях как се отнасят с Катрин, как я обиждаха и как лъжеха ми беше пределно ясно, че именно те са злодеите.
Ама наистина много ми хареса книгата. Сега следващата е за Тай, а след него е ред на Фингал. Нямам тръпение да прочета и двете книги. Тай и Фингал са интересни герои и мисля, че ще харесам техните книги.
Найл е леърд на планинският клан Масиан. След смъртта на баща му, Найл осъзнава, че мащехата му почти е довела клана до просешка тояга, с разточителният си живот в кралският двор в Единбург. Клана му е беден и е обречен на гладна смърт, ако Найл не направи нещо по въпроса. Измамен от жена, в която е мислил, че е влюбен, той вече не вярва в любовта и няма намерение да се жени, но когато търси помощ от краля и му е предложена булка с огромна зестра, Найл трябва да мисли за клана си, затова решава да вземе за жена лейди Катрин, за която се говори, че е толкова грозна, противна и с ужасен характер, че въпреки гигантската й зестра никой не иска да я вземе за жена. Тръгвайки с тази мисъл, Найл е повече от удивен, когато открива, че Катрин въобще не е това, което му е казано.
След смъртта на баща й, когато е едва дете, Катрин е поставена под опеката на чичо си, който е зъл човек обичащ да наранява и принизява хората. През годините Катрин е научила, че не трябва да показва привързаност към никой, защото чичо й ще го използва срещу нея. Но проблемът е, че Катрин е вярна на своите хора и често за да защити някой бива пребивана от чичо си. Когато един ден й е съобщено, че кралят й е уредил брак и от нея се очаква да напусне дома си още същият ден. Кралят й дава два избора. Да се омъжи занепознатият планински леър, носейки му богата зестра и оставяйки земите и титлите на баща си в ръцетен на чичо й, или да се оттегли в манастир, зестрата й да бъде дадена на годеника й, а титлата и земята отново на чичо й. Катрин знае, че не е създадена за монахиня, по тази причина решава да рискува и да се омъжи за непознатият лорд, надявайки се, че ще има едно по-добро бъдеще за нея и за малкото момче, за което се е зарекла да се грижи.
Това е първата книга, която чета от тази авторка. Имах желание да я прочета от много време, но все не й идваше реда. Мога най-искрено да кажа, че съм влюбена в историите на авторката. Харесва ми начина й на писане, харесват ми героите и историята. Катрин беше чудесна героиня, мила, сладка и доста изстрадала. Найл на момента се държеше като магаре и в сляпата си вяра в някои хора направи не една грешка, но адски много ми хареса любовната история между него и Катрин, как се сближиха и влюбиха един в друг. Бяха супер сладка двойка. Злодея го знаех от самото начало. Още като видях как се отнасят с Катрин, как я обиждаха и как лъжеха ми беше пределно ясно, че именно те са злодеите.
Ама наистина много ми хареса книгата. Сега следващата е за Тай, а след него е ред на Фингал. Нямам тръпение да прочета и двете книги. Тай и Фингал са интересни герои и мисля, че ще харесам техните книги.
September 11, 2017
Niall MacIan needed funds to save his clan. Lady Katherine needs saving for a uncle, who hopes to have it all. Title, land and her monies. Little did they both know that they would need each other. By helping each mend from their own scars, and the treachery of others.
July 19, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the first book in Ceci Giltenan's Duncurra series. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series!
The story is fast paced and exciting and you don't know where all of the villainy is coming from until you are well into the book. The characters are well developed and the good guys are really likable and the bad guys are really loathsome. Sometimes you have a bad guy in a book that is bad, but somewhat redeemable -- not these -- they are really nasty pieces of work.
Laird Niall MacIan's clan is in seriously deep financial trouble -- thanks to his step-mother. She chose to live at court in Edinburgh and has run up huge debts that the clan just cannot pay. Finally, in desperation Niall goes to Edinburgh to petition the king for relief and also to try to put a stop to his step-mother's spending.
Lady Katherine Ruthven lost her father about 5 years earlier. She's a very, very rich heiress. Her uncle is her guardian and he is a really nasty, nasty, nasty piece of work. Her father's title, lands and money are supposed to be kept and go to Katherine's husband when she marries. Her uncle wants all of that and has petitioned the king for it because he's made sure everybody thinks Katherine is unmarriageable by spreading all sorts of nasty rumors about her.
The King sees a way to 'please' two people and gain more allies. So -- he tells Katherine that she can either marry Niall who will get all of her dowry and her uncle will get the title and her lands OR she can go to a convent and her uncle will get her money, land and the title. Great set of choices right! Well, of course she chooses marriage.
Katherine is a really sweet, caring person and soon wins the whole clan over. Everybody who meets her loves her, but she doesn't believe that because of the abuse she's had to live through.
Sometimes you want to thump Niall on the head because of the way he treats Katherine after his step-mother comes back to live with them. Niall put his step-mother on a generous, but very strict budget and she decided she couldn't live on that in Edinburgh -- so she decides to return home.
You also want to thump Niall for the way he treats his half-brother Fingal. They grew up together -- Niall should know what kind of person Final is, but evidently he doesn't because he believes whispers and innuendo's.
There is plotting, intrigue, scheming and other dastardly deeds galore. New alliances are formed, families are torn and repaired, old alliances are broken. Love is tested to the limit, but we find that it bends and stretches, but doesn't break.
I believe this was my first book by Ceci Giltenan, but definitely not my last. I've already bought the next two books in the series!
The story is fast paced and exciting and you don't know where all of the villainy is coming from until you are well into the book. The characters are well developed and the good guys are really likable and the bad guys are really loathsome. Sometimes you have a bad guy in a book that is bad, but somewhat redeemable -- not these -- they are really nasty pieces of work.
Laird Niall MacIan's clan is in seriously deep financial trouble -- thanks to his step-mother. She chose to live at court in Edinburgh and has run up huge debts that the clan just cannot pay. Finally, in desperation Niall goes to Edinburgh to petition the king for relief and also to try to put a stop to his step-mother's spending.
Lady Katherine Ruthven lost her father about 5 years earlier. She's a very, very rich heiress. Her uncle is her guardian and he is a really nasty, nasty, nasty piece of work. Her father's title, lands and money are supposed to be kept and go to Katherine's husband when she marries. Her uncle wants all of that and has petitioned the king for it because he's made sure everybody thinks Katherine is unmarriageable by spreading all sorts of nasty rumors about her.
The King sees a way to 'please' two people and gain more allies. So -- he tells Katherine that she can either marry Niall who will get all of her dowry and her uncle will get the title and her lands OR she can go to a convent and her uncle will get her money, land and the title. Great set of choices right! Well, of course she chooses marriage.
Katherine is a really sweet, caring person and soon wins the whole clan over. Everybody who meets her loves her, but she doesn't believe that because of the abuse she's had to live through.
Sometimes you want to thump Niall on the head because of the way he treats Katherine after his step-mother comes back to live with them. Niall put his step-mother on a generous, but very strict budget and she decided she couldn't live on that in Edinburgh -- so she decides to return home.
You also want to thump Niall for the way he treats his half-brother Fingal. They grew up together -- Niall should know what kind of person Final is, but evidently he doesn't because he believes whispers and innuendo's.
There is plotting, intrigue, scheming and other dastardly deeds galore. New alliances are formed, families are torn and repaired, old alliances are broken. Love is tested to the limit, but we find that it bends and stretches, but doesn't break.
I believe this was my first book by Ceci Giltenan, but definitely not my last. I've already bought the next two books in the series!
June 27, 2014
I read this book right after I gave my review for Highland Courage. I must say that I am happy that this story is well-written than the second installment. I keep on wondering what happened to Ceci Giltenan when she finalized Highland Courage because there are a lot of characters swarming with no obvious end yet. Maybe it is because the author would want to continue their story in another book - which is welcomed- but it would be better if she could write the characters in a way that readers would find them very important in the story (like how Monica McCarthy do it in her Highland Guard series where she tried to gradually introduce a guard). Anyway as I said on Highland Courage, Ceci Giltenan is an awesome author to be able to produce a story that is simple yet catchy. She does not need to write steamy scenes and bloody fights that should be clearly describe (like how Stephen King clearly describes how a killer in his book orchestrates a plan and executes it). I like its simplicity and the intrigue her stories bring.
This is 4.5 because I find the climax had been fast and I didn't even reach the top of my excitement
-no pun intended.
Seriously, it is becoming really good and then all of a sudden all actions drop and you didn't even know what happened to Malcolm. Maybe I failed the author because I did not have what she wanted for her reader's reaction about that scene.
What is good is that the love here is quite understandable though not really that explained but I would love this instead of those complicated love-hate-love relationship I read that left me doubting if there are people who keep on doing the love-hate fiasco every time they are together. Though love is complicated so I should just leave it at that. - okay, I couldn't - because some complicated love can be explained by some authors and there are some that authors cannot explain. Those love-hate relationship that cannot be explained in the author's story often leaves me with headache so I am happy that this story is not like that. It is simple in that regard. Not too extreme but it will give you a somewhat satisfying romance story.
And yes I am rambling so I should stop now. I would love to talk more about this. Probably when I decided to write something on my blog and got some scoring system so I would be systematic.
This is 4.5 because I find the climax had been fast and I didn't even reach the top of my excitement
What is good is that the love here is quite understandable though not really that explained but I would love this instead of those complicated love-hate-love relationship I read that left me doubting if there are people who keep on doing the love-hate fiasco every time they are together. Though love is complicated so I should just leave it at that. - okay, I couldn't - because some complicated love can be explained by some authors and there are some that authors cannot explain. Those love-hate relationship that cannot be explained in the author's story often leaves me with headache so I am happy that this story is not like that. It is simple in that regard. Not too extreme but it will give you a somewhat satisfying romance story.
And yes I am rambling so I should stop now. I would love to talk more about this. Probably when I decided to write something on my blog and got some scoring system so I would be systematic.
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