Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

MacGregors #2

Un highlander non si arrende

Rate this book
Abile con la spada e dotata di astuzia, l'indomita Claire Stuart è decisa a salvare se stessa e la sorella Anne da un matrimonio combinato con i loro nemici. Nessuno può fermarla, neppure l'affascinante e virile highlander che ha giurato di proteggerla. Nonostante i suoi sguardi ardenti e i suoi baci siano una tentazione irresistibile, Claire non vuole appartenere a nessun uomo. Graham Grant non ha mai incontrato una ragazza bella, testarda e pericolosa come lei. Aiutarla potrebbe compromettere il suo stesso onore, ma il cuore continua a dirgli di non lasciarla andare…

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

117 people are currently reading
2117 people want to read

About the author

Paula Quinn

58 books1,388 followers
Paula 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!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,309 (39%)
4 stars
1,284 (38%)
3 stars
576 (17%)
2 stars
103 (3%)
1 star
35 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
Profile Image for Beanbag Love.
569 reviews240 followers
June 5, 2010
More like a 3.5, I think.

But let me start by blowing a raspberry at that cover. What kind of stance is that? Not manly. Not manly at all.

It took me a long time to get into this story. I think it was the heroine. She was one of those hotheads who happens to be a great fighter, but makes you wonder how she survived this long with her impulsiveness and short fuse.

So she was pretty hard to take for much of the book.

Graham Grant is pretty yummy, although he was stupid to keep a secret from Claire. After a while I really wondered what the point was in all that secret keeping? If he believed the edict was law and was acting on it himself, why not spill the beans?

But about two thirds in we start to really see their chemistry take hold and the romance kicks in. It's nice. And, although they still have their willful misunderstandings, I think they're a good couple overall.

I bought this book because it was only $1.99 on Kindle. I'll do Laird of the Mist next, although it came before this one. Then I can start reading the series in order if I want to continue.

I'm glad I'm giving Paula Quinn a try, although I think I wasn't quite in the mood for ancient Highlanders. As long as her publisher is appropriately discounting the e-versions of her books, I'll probably follow the series along to the end. :D
Profile Image for Geo Just Reading My Books.
1,481 reviews337 followers
December 26, 2020
Am fost tentată să descopăr povestea lui Graham Grant, comandantul lui Callum, încă de când am citit “Stăpânul negurilor”. Un tip curajos, un adevărat războinic neînfricat, care știe să se poarte cu femeile. Un cuceritor în adevăratul sens al cuvântului.
Claire Stuart, vara regelui scoțian, Carol, este o tânără uimitoare, o luptătoare plină de curaj asemeni lui Kate, soția lui Callum.
Atunci când Graham și Robert o salvează din mâna oamenilor generalului Monk, nu realizează ce însemnătate are întâlnirea lor. Dar, când o parte din secretele tinerei ies la iveală, cei doi prieteni nu știu pe cine exact ar trebui să protejeze: pe tânăra domnită sau pe general...
Atracția dintre cei doi este instantanee, plină de scântei și lupte ale personajelor implicate cu propriile inimi. Încă nu au aflat că inimii nu i te poți opune.
Dar, ultima dorință a fratelui fetei pare a da peste cap emoțiile ce înfloresc între ei. Cu atât mai mult cu cât cuceritorul Graham este pus în situația de a nu putea alege împotriva prietenului său.
Astfel, avem parte de situații tensionate, înțepături, răsturnări de situație ce par a da peste cap viața tuturor. Asta cu atât mai mult cu cât toți cei prezenți știu că tânăra Claire îi este promisă lui Robert, mai puțin tânăra...
O tânără eroină curajoasă, cu o personalitate puternică... vă închipuiți cum reacționează când află că generalul Monk a promis-o de soție lui Robert în numele fratelui ei. Tânăra Claire Stuart este convinsă că vinovatul de moartea fratelui ei este acest general, nicidecum James, cel mai bun prieten al fratelui ei.
Dar, destinul are propriile sale metode de a pune lucrurile în direcția ce le-a fost menită.
O lectură captivantă, cu o acțiune ce te ține-n priză cu fiecare nouă răsturnare de situație, cu fiecare luptă purtată între Graham și Claire.
Autoarea Paula Quinn a reușit să ne încânte cu această poveste!
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 15 books613 followers
August 24, 2017
This was a fantastic read! I loved it, and if I'd known it was next in line after Laird of the Mist I'd have read it sooner. I'd actually forgotten some of the characters. But it was so good. I love how Claire fights like a man, but not just for part of the book. She actually fights like a man! Her twin Connor had her as his right hand man in his army. But she wasn't unrealistic, either.

And when she and Graham Grant fought (with swords) it was foreplay! lol too perfect. There were several plot twists and turns that kept me gasping and yelling at the characters. I look forward to the next book (I assume there is one-too many loose ends).

One thing I really loved about Paula Quinn's writing is that she had a couple sex scenes that weren't very graphic, but still had me fanning my face. I think that it's almost harder to write a non-graphic love scene and make it steamy, than a very explicit one. A couple of the other sex scenes were graphic enough too, so it was a good mix. The sexual tension was great, the characters were wonderful, and I love how at the end


-spoiler alert-


when they rescue Connor, he asks Graham something like, "So you think you can tame my sister, do you?" Graham has the best answer. "No, and I don't want to." I love it! So many times we see the hero or heroine being tamed...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but here? This was perfect and very swoon-worthy.
Profile Image for Mei.
1,897 reviews471 followers
August 29, 2013
Who doesn't love a sword-wielding heroine? LOL

I do!

Claire is headstrong and convinced that she knows better than anyone! She thinks about herself as a warrior.

Graham is instantly attracted to Claire and he wants her and pursues her relentlessly !

They are perfect for each other and I enjoyed thier banter and fights!

The book is very enjoyable: full of intrigue, fighting, witty dialogue and stubborn (almost too much!) herione! :d
Profile Image for Zeek.
920 reviews149 followers
August 16, 2010
Roguish Graham Grant and his best friend Rob Campbell, (first introduced in Laird of the Mist), are on a mission. They must pick up two noble ladies, sisters Anne and Claire Stuart, and take them to safety, while the infamous General Monck sorts out the death of their brother, Conner Stuart.

Claire has her own mission- to avenge the death of her beloved twin, Conner- and she’ sure General Monck is behind it.

Unaware of cross purposes- and that she is the female they seek- Graham and Rob happen upon the strong willed girl, rescuing her from a bunch of thieves. Graham is instantly, and strangely, attracted to the feisty Claire, but he’s surprised when Rob determines that she is indeed the very Lady, along with her sister, they were sent to intercept. It doesn’t take the men long to decide to see Claire and Anne safely to their home on Skye Island with the Laird of the Mist- despite her resolve to the contrary.

Set during a short span of time when Scotland and England were walking a fine line of peace, Claire and Graham are smack dab in the center of political intrigue that is about to embroil their beloved Scotland once again in a war with the Motherland. They must first determine who to trust to see their way out of it- old family ties or the fierce love burning between them.

What I appreciate most about Quinn’s highlander historical romances are the little tidbits of actual persons and history she intertwines with her fictional characters. The second is her sexy Highlander heroes! Graham is one such hero- boyish charm mixed with some yummy alpha male goodness, I liked him immediately! It took me a bit longer, however, to get into the story because I wasn’t sure if I liked the heroine.

Strong willed and single-minded, Claire is one of those heroines who doesn’t like her station in life and is doggedly determined to never be put in her place. Ok, I can dig that, but when a heroine is ALL about that, it can easily get annoying. And that’s exactly what I was feeling during Claire and Graham’s initial interactions- annoyed. But Graham-Graham, that devilish rogue- manages to accept her and fall in love with her- just as she is- and, in so doing, make her lovable to the reader.

Once again Quinn does a fine job intricately weaving very real historical political intrigue with steamy sensuality. 4 out of 5 from me a toned down Claire would have worked better for me, but otherwise an diverting read.
Profile Image for Zoe.
766 reviews203 followers
June 26, 2015
I think it's a typical romance novel without romance. The relationship is motivated by lust. "I must have her but I don't know why so it must be special" kind of relationship.

I think sometimes a writer can make that work. In this book it somehow fell flat. I did not care for the political intrigue either. It does not have enough romance elements for me.

And Claire, oh Claire, I dislike her as a heroine intensely. But it has a lot to do with me. I don't take well to "manly" women, using Claire's own words. She is too pigheaded and hot tempered for my taste. Another person may have greatly appreciated her strength. I don't. I prefer a different kind of strength that does not speak through weapon and the heroine pretending to be a man. I never understood this archetype of a heroine. What's so good about acting like a man? But that's just my preference.

I think the book is more a 2.5 than 3 stars. But I like Paula Quinn so I rounded it up.
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
June 17, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Excellent book , so well thought out and planned .
Characters are stunning as are the descriptions and Historical Facts .
Love this series and can’t wait for more .
Profile Image for Rainz ❤️rainnbooks❤️(on a break).
1,368 reviews88 followers
February 4, 2020
What a change from all those half-clad female bosom bearing covers for historical romances, that when I saw a muscled and chiseled hunk, ahem, u know what I mean, as a front cover picture, that too with a kilt adding to the charm, I really thot that I need to, need to read this. Alas, the poor book had to bear the brunt of my reading slump and bad health so much that instead of the usual read in day or 2, I almost took 5 days to complete this and thus the rating of my review may reflect my pathetic mood too.

The story is of course not boring, in fact, it brings quite a refreshing change to the usual run of the mill stories in this genre that Claire Stuart is actually a warrior to be respected and be frightened off. I loved the way Graham Grant begins to appreciate her prowess with the sword and thus be wary of taming her. She's a force to be reckoned with in the battle field and it becomes apparent to Graham that Claire is no damsel or lady to be rescued but to be crowned and loved as his partner.

Graham is the endearing hero who can charm his way thru everything and anything. His friend Robert, on a mission for General Monck, is honor bound to protect and serve and thereby forces their company on Claire who is herself looking to help her sister Anne escape from General Monck.

The drama is interesting with actual political events interwoven thru the story that makes it a fascinating read. Jealousy, betrayal, honor, love, and of course the rugged Scotland, everything comes into play in this novel by Paula Quinn. This is my first book by this author and all I wish is I was in a better frame of mind to read and enjoy the story.
59 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2013
This is my first book of Paula Quinn and she has won over me.This was very enjoyable reading and there was no dull momemt.

Loved both the characters of the highlander - Graham and Clarie. The description of scotland and the way to island of skye brings the scene in front of your eyes.

Enjoyed the braveness of the Clarie and the love for her brother and sister.She is a warrior lass full of ardor and willpower but faced with the most handsome, wicked and valiant Highlander couldn't avoid to succumb to the true love.


Graham conquered my heart once again in this novel! He is wickedly sexy and adorably tender. I loved the way he surrendered to his love to Claire and accepted her for who she is, in fact, he loved her even more for her strenght and skillness in battle. He continued to be a loyal friend and I enjoyed his deep friendship with Robert Campbell.
I also appreciated a lot the secondary lovestory between Robert and Claire's sister, Anne. He is a real knight!
I'll continue to reading Paula's other novels because

For those who love reading about Highlanders and Scotland, I absolutely recommend to not miss her novels because through them you can feel she loves this country and its culture and story profoundly.(
Profile Image for Patricia Ibarra.
59 reviews
July 28, 2017
I loved it so much!!! Claire is exactly the kind of woman I want to find in the books I read: brave, strong, fierce yet tender, passionate and so intelligent. I also loved Graham for accepting and loving her exactly as she was, not attempting to change a bit of her.
The story is captivating, not only the love story between these two stubborn lovers, but the whole politic and military plot of loyalties and treason. I´m eagerly going to find out what happened to the treacherous James.
Unfortunately for me, I read first the Children of the Mist series, which starts with Robert´s death at the very beginning, so I had no knowledge of him and his love story with Anne at all. Now I did, and it is heartbraking when I think of this Guinevere and her "knight in shining armor"!
All in all, the more I read Paula Quinn´s work, the more I want from her!
Profile Image for BookReadingJenn.
644 reviews11 followers
January 16, 2016
I love these characters. It's official. I am going to read the rest of Paula Quinn's books now.
192 reviews
May 10, 2016
I loved the book it was so good.
Profile Image for iamGamz.
1,549 reviews51 followers
February 4, 2015
Another great Paula Quinn book! Her characters jump off the page and into your reality.

I loved Graham's carefree attitude in "Laird of the Mist". He's a loyal friend to Callum and the leader of his troops. He's a devoted brother to his eleven sisters and young brother, Jamie. He's also a gorgeous man-whore with a winning smile and charming personality. Women are there for his pleasure, he makes no excuses about that, and they love him for it. Is it any wonder that it takes a warrior woman like Claire to finally breach his heart?

Claire is the sister of Connor, the leader of the Rebels and cousin to King Charles II, who is fighting to reclaim his throne. Her brother taught her at an early age to wield a sword and fight and she is now better than most men. She is fearless, beautiful, strong, independent and terrifying when met in battle.

I loved the interplay between Graham and Claire. She gave the big guy hell every chance she could, and he pushed all the right buttons to make her realize that while she could fight like a man, she is all woman. This left Claire feeling weak and vulnerable and made her want to run him through with her sword. Their dialogue was quick and witty and oh so enjoyable. Their love scenes were steamy and sexy. The first time they made love was a truly inspired scene. The Highland mist making it that much sexier. Their coming together was never pretty. It was raw and lusty and beautiful in its naturalness. These two characters did not need pretty. They are both warriors and embraced that in all aspects of their personalities.

This was a fun read that gave you a glimpse into the real political atmosphere during that time. I found myself reaching for my computer to Google more information on the actual historical characters in the storyline as I read. Thank you Paula Quinn for opening up a little window of the Highland history to your readers.

Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,559 reviews237 followers
July 16, 2008
The year is when Scotland’s Third Civil War has re-emerged.

Oliver Cromwell has died. General Monck of the New Model Army wants to see Charles II restored to power, so he enlists the help of men like Lord Robert Campbell, Earl of Argyll, a Presbyterian and Graham Grant, highlander, Royalist and first in command of the MacGregor clan.

Claire Stuart has been captured by some Puritan Roundheads. Claire winds up getting rescued by Lord Robert Campbell and his friend Graham Grant. Unfortunately Claire
is anything but happy to see Robert and Graham. Claire is on a mission to save her sister, Anne from getting married to General Monck. Actually Claire is more than mad she is out to kill someone and that someone winds up being General Monck. But first Claire has to escape Graham in addition to keeping her true identity of being the king’s cousin a secret. In order to keep Claire from ruining things, Graham tells Claire he will help her to rescue her sister. What Graham will soon learn is he was better off letting Claire do her own thing as she is one hellion, especially with a sword.


I just loved the characters in this book. They were so strong and independent. This statement 100% applies to Claire with her take charge attitude. I found it to be an enjoyment, especially when her angry was aimed at Graham. It was funny because Graham would treat Claire like a two year old but at the same time this is when you could also feel the sparks between these two. I have to admit that it wasn’t hard to enjoy this book but because one it was written by the lovely Paula Quinn and two it was set during the Scottish times, which is a favorite time period of mine. A Highlander Never Surrenders was a royal pleasure to read. I am already anxiously awaiting Ms. Quinn’s next release.
Profile Image for Jordan.
1,878 reviews
January 19, 2021
2.5 stars rounded up. This heroine is an even more skilled warrior than the one in the previous book. And I was so interested and hopeful when she was introduced as being very brave and capable. But she ended up being kind of a ninny. She's a hothead who is uninterested, apparently, in coming up with a plan of attack given a challenge, but just charges off in whatever direction the mood strikes her. And she has a terrible understanding of human behavior, and is a trial for anyone who spends time around her. It was very disappointing. The hero on the other hand is *also* a great fighter, but on top of that is also clever and charming. There's a lot of 'battle of the wills' sort of thing, but it just felt so uneven to me. I guess perhaps it's more oldschool or something. She's loyal I suppose. But mostly I didn't find her very interesting and she irritated me. The hero was okay, though he didn't strongly appeal to me. If it had been edited down a bit more it might not have felt like it dragged out so much, but it could just appeal more to a different audience. I liked the first in the series, so I will continue on with the books that follow the next generation, and see how they go.
Profile Image for Fae.
1,295 reviews26 followers
October 31, 2021
Stopped at chapter 20.

Firstly, i enjoyed the first book in this series and expected more for Graham’s story because i loved him when he appeared in the first book.

But in this book, Graham and Claire was always fighting, trying to win over one another that i was so frustrated just watching them. Their continuous fighting, with Claire mostly picking a fight with Graham annoyed me. I disliked her. Their fighting did not endear me to any of them because it does not show their good chemistry.

While I’m okay with slow plots and romance building (i was ok with it for the first book), this book started off heavy with the histories and fighting that it bored me. A combination of (1) too much history & fighting (2) non existent chemistry between them (3) the romance between them not changing much (even at chapter 19, they were still fighting), i just couldn’t continue reading the book.

It’s sad because i was looking forward to reading about Graham’s story but the endless fights/history and my dislike of the heroine prevented me from wanting to continue reading.
Profile Image for Heather.
781 reviews24 followers
February 4, 2016
Claire Stuart is a feisty and fearless heroine, and I loved following her on her adventure to save her sister and later her brother. Graham Grant is the typical womanizing heart throb who thinks marriage and one woman is not for him. War and battle and variety are what he prefers. He is also controlling, and coming across the very independent and formidable Claire is too much of a challenge for him to resist, though it was fun watching him squirm and try. The conflict and plot were entertaining and well developed. The journey was fun, passionate, and enjoyable.  Overall, it was a great story and I loved watching the two fall in love.
Profile Image for Patricia C..
24 reviews
October 13, 2015
Highlander romances are my guilty pleasure, but the expansive cast of characters and backstory in Paula Quinn's series makes me forget about the guilt aspect. It's a well written story with great characters, and despite the fact that the story takes the turns you expect a typical romance novel to take, it's still a page turner. I also really appreciate that Paula has a recurring cast of characters because you get to see the characters you've fallen in love with (eg Callum and Kate) grow, and with this sequel you get to see Graham fall in love. The only regrettable thing about this book is the cover, but that's a minor problem.
Profile Image for Danielles.
541 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2016
Fantastic! It is an very good book! A real Highlander story, he is great! and she is also very though,....
There are very good parts, such as she don't want to be his wench,...but he wants her so as she is! He is so sweet,.....but a good warrior!!!!!!
I like the site of Paula, with You tube clips and karakters,...( like Cherry! Adair!)

I hope to get the rest of this writer,.....she is realy good!
Profile Image for Teshai.
1,040 reviews
January 2, 2015
You know a story is good when u read it all in 1 day.
33 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2016
Loved it of course :-D amazing books
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
3,513 reviews38 followers
June 4, 2018
After stumbling upon a warrior lass that had already killed six, rogue Highlander finds the one woman who can intrigue him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sijing.
302 reviews
July 25, 2020
Your classic bickering/insults as foreplay couple! Major instalove happening and like inexplicable lust from Graham and Not Like the Other Girls!Claire. IDK it wasn't bad, it was cute enough but I guess I'm not really into unabashedly manwhore male characters who want to "conquer" the female character (and accidentally fall in love along the way).

Robert and Anne were sweet, but I understand why the author wrote their entire romance into this book instead of giving them their own.

Does Connor Stuart get his own story? I wanna know how the traitor situation is resolved!!! And he deserves a fulfilling romance too, ofc. 😉
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.