La prisonnière du Highlander (Les Historiques (737))

Lovers and Legends #2

by Nicole Locke

Ecosse, XIIIe siecle Si elle veut eviter a sa famille d etre exclue de son clan, Mairead n a pas le choix: elle doit retrouver le voleur qui a lachement assassine son frere, et recuperer la precieuse dague qu il lui a volee pour payer leurs dettes aux autorites anglaises. Armee de tout son courage, elle s introduit la nuit dans l auberge de l'assassin, le coeur battant a tout rompre. Mais rien ne se passe comme prevu... C est un inconnu qui, sous ses yeux, met le voleur en fuite et recupere la dague. D'abord soulagee, Mairead comprend bientot qu'elle n'est pas plus avancee, car cet homme aussi puissant qu intimidant s'avere etre un Highlander d un clan ennemi, farouchement oppose aux siens. Loin de l'aider, il refuse categoriquement de lui remettre la dague et de la laisser repartir. A propos de l'auteur: Nicole Locke a decouvert la romance dans la bibliotheque secrete de sa grand-mere et a tout de suite apprecie leur gout d interdit. C est tout naturellement qu elle a elle-meme commence a ecrire des romances. La prisonniere du Highlander est son deuxieme roman publie dans - Les Historiques -."

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Historical Fiction, Harlequin, Medieval Romance, Medieval

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2015

About the author

Nicole first discovered romance novels hidden in her grandmother’s closet. Convinced hidden books must be better, Nicole greedily read them. It was only natural she should start writing them (but now not so secretly). If she isn’t working on the next book in her historical series, she can’t be found. No, seriously. Because she’s always working on the next story!

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Reviews

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok - I enjoyed the characters but it was slow - I felt like we just went in circles

Review coming

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a huge fan of the Lovers and Legends series for a few years (or should that be since I first discovered these books way back in the early days of the blog?). I have devoured each one and I had thought I’d read them all only to discover I had the first three sitting unread on my shelf.

How did that happen?

Who knows, another case of me going through life with my eyes shut and missing what’s right in front of me!

But one thing I do know is; that these three books are not passing me by – they have waited long enough for my attention!

Said that, I have gone and done my old trick of reading them out of order, why do I do this to myself?

Hmmm, I really should stop asking myself questions that can’t be answered and actually write this review!!!

OK!

Mairead has unknowingly stumbled into a nest of vipers all of which are ready to strike, but who and what are they striking at?

Well that is the question, isn’t it?

Without realising it when she stumbles upon a sleeping Highander in the ‘dishabille’ as she looks for the man who not only murdered her brother but stole a secret and mysterious dagger.

Ooh, that dagger causes a lot of trouble!!

Said dagger which she is banking on using as a way to bring her family out of the ruin her brother has left them in, but in that one simple act, she has found herself in the midst of intrigue and danger, betrayal, blackmail, murder, clan warfare, secrets and unknowns all pointing fingers (mostly in her direction).

Within a few hours, she is kidnapped by a huge, monosyllabic, grumbling ruthless, sexy-as-hell highlander who apparently hates and distrusts her. He calls her a liar, he drags her about and blames her for all that’s wrong in his life!

Charming!

Whereas his brother would happily throw her in the river and his cousins either want to hump her or murder her.

What a family!

Yup, it’s a bad day, yet none of these growling, grumbling men explain themselves or their actions, only that she is a Buchannan and can’t be trusted!

Which makes perfect sense (to them!) at least they feed her, in between growls and threats!

Caird – firstly let’s just take a moment to fully bask in the eternal glory that is Caird Colquhoun!

My gawd, I would happily be kidnapped by him just for the chance to ogle his magnificent arse ….arms, I mean arms!!!

He’s a complicated man, though I have an inkling he never used to be complicated, it’s only since he became acquainted with Mairead that his life was completely turned on its head.

Being the middle brother of the three; Bram the Laird and Malcom the youngest, Caird is dependable, quietly calculating, responsible, picks up the pieces and always tries to keep the peace. So him taking Mairead along for their not-so-happy jaunt through the country and his animosity towards her is out of character.

It’s no secret that I have a serious love for Highlanders; rough-around-edges, rugged, proud, passionate, growling, seductive Scotsmen, so it wasn’t a surprise that I instantly from that very first sighting of Caird, his brother Malcolm and his cousins fell head over heels for them.

Yes, Caird is a pain in the arse, he’s so set in his ways, his opinions and his beliefs, he’s unmoveable (literal and figuratively speaking) and judges harshly and holds onto historical grudges (though nothing in comparison to Malcolm!) but putting all of his flaws aside there is a more to this large warrior then just a few grunts and a good tone backside, he feels things greatly, he holds lot of guilt and pain locked away.

I loved how he says he has to constantly touch her to feel at peace to still the pain, my heart broke and fused together, it’s a really beautiful scene!

Mairead; like Caird is holding onto a lot of buried emotion, huge amounts of guilt grief and loss but she battles that with her relentless determination, in an argument or fight she can give as good as she gets!

What confuses me is her sudden change at the end by following Caird’s plan (I won’t say too much as this does happen right in the last couple of chapters) up to that moment she has fought him all the way, never backing down, and yet that changes to follow Caird. I would have expected more of a show-down between them, more of an argument from Mairead instead of bowing down to him.

Don’t get me wrong I liked the ending (despite the unanswered questions) and I am so pleased that these head-butting enemies found their footing, but I expected something a little more.

I do love an enemies-to-lovers story and this one has all the tension, the bickering, the heated glances and huge amounts of complex emotional angst between Maired and Caird. Being from warring clans they have both been raised to hate the other, though the Colquhouns take their bitter feud with the Buchannans to another level, they are both strong-willed, determined, fiercely proud, stubborn and full of Scottish fiery passion = so having these two sharing a horse is full of fire and brimstone!

I am super excited to ‘properly meet’ Caird’s cousins; Hamilton and Cameron Graham in the next series; Lovers and Highlanders – which means I’m off on a book-buying binge as soon as my bank balance will allow me to, but Cameron and Hamilton will be worth the wait, I know it!

I Hate to be at all negative, but despite loving this book the story is compelling, the journey Mairead and Caird go on is fraught with so much danger (and not just from this unknown mysterious shadowy enemy) the mystery, the murder, the tension it’s all brilliantly written with Nicole Locke well-loved flare with words, I felt a little flummoxed the ending came up and I was still left with unanswered questions.

Who was this mysterious Englishman and Archer? (though I’m wondering if he/she pops up later in the series as I do remember an archer further along) Why does Malcom hate Mairead and her clan so much? (Is that in book one and I’ve missed it?) and why can’t Caird say anything about….well anything…..argghh!!!

He is so infuriating!

Good job he’s super sexy, and I have a weakness for Highlanders!

I just wish there was more closure, a bit more tying loose ends up than leaving all of these unanswered questions floating around, or maybe it’s a clever ploy to make me go back and read them all again?

I believe Caird’s eldest brother, Bram; Laird of Colquhoun is book three, I am really looking forward to reading his story, despite only ‘meeting’ him for a brief moment at the end of this book there is something darkly alluring about him so roll on his story (not before I go back to read the first book).

Overall, Her Enemy Highlander is a damn fine, exciting, sexy and edgy romp through the Scottish highlands.

With murder and betrayal, tension and lust, bitter arguments and sword fights plus the mysterious goings-on regarding this unknown ‘Englishman’ and a dagger all entwined around two complex and flawed individuals; it’s a definite keeper for any romance reader!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Enemy Highlander by Nicole Locke is Book 2 in her exciting "Lovers and Legends", which can be read as a stand alone. I was completely drawn into this story from the very first page to the last page and can't wait to read the next installment.

Well written and steady paced with captivating and engaging characters. The storyline was seductive and will hold the readers interest.

Caird of Clan Colquhoun and Mairead Buchanan, were facinating, and they have a story to tell, of a jewel dagger, "The Jewel of Kings"and how they find trust and love. Magnificent!

Caird is sexy, brawl and always in command of his emotions and cool as can be, until he meets the beautiful, impulsive, and restless Mairead.

Filled with danger, impulsiveness, sensual tension, intrigue, secrets, a kidnapping, lies, a bit of deception, mistrust, mystery, passion and suspense.
Will Mairead surrender to Caird and learn to trust? As their clans are bitter enemies, can Caird and Mairead, learn to trust each other, and find love? Will all be lost due to an Englishman's desire for the precious dagger? Or will they willingly give it up the dagger for happiness?

A captivating and mesmerizing tale of a legend, or is it a myth, does the one who holds the previous dagger really hold the power of Scotland? Can two enemies find love, trust and a HEA? You must pick up "Her Enemy Highlander" and find out for yourself.
Powerful and compelling!

My only complaint.... it has what I'd call a cliffhanger, because it leaves many questions unanswered.
Ms. Locke is a terrific storyteller who draws the reader into her story and hold their breath as they hope Caird and Mairead find their HEA. Brilliantly written with well-developed characters. Although, the characters, are flawed, insecure, have difficulty trusting, confident, and determined, Caird and Mairead will easily capture your heart.
Fans of myths, legends, arrogant Highlanders, mystery, suspense and bonny but impulsive Lasses, are sure to enjoy "Her Enemy Highlander".

An enjoyable and satisfying read! I do wish more questions were answered. I can't wait to read Book 3, "The Highland Laird’s Bride" and I'll have to go back and read Book 1, "The Knights Broken Promise". Intriguing and impressive!
Received for an honest review. However, all opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions.

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Marianna Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il nemico scozzese è il secondo volume della serie Lovers and legends di Nicole Locke, ma è fruibile anche singolarmente.
Chi ha avuto il piacere di leggere il primo romanzo della serie, che è La promessa del cavaliere, potrà apprezzare i riferimenti a Gaira e al suo misterioso marito, rubando qualche altro particolare alla storia d'amore che ha legato il cuore di Gaira all'ultimo uomo di avrebbe dovuto innamorarsi, un mistrerioso e pericolosissimo cavaliere. Se siete curiose, recuperatelo, perché ve ne innamorerete.
Ma anche Caird Colquhoun ha il suo fascino. Tra i fratelli di Gaira è quello più riflessivo. Bello come un dio greco, ha un fisico imponente, fatto di muscoli e una mente allenata al pensiero, che accompagna il suo forte braccio. Non c'è nemico che non possa battere ed è così abituato a farlo, che non si separa mai dalla sua spada.
Ma quella è una notte diversa. Viaggia con suo fratello e i suoi cugini, per partecipare ai festeggiamenti in onore di sua sorella. Il clima è festoso e Caird si è lasciato andare, eccedendo con la birra. Oramai brillo si è rifugiato nella camera della locanda, dove alloggiano per la notte. Sa che suo fratello si accompagna con due donzelle di facili costumi e così non si sorprende eccessivamente quando scopre che nella sua stanza è entrata una ragazza.
A dire il vero, la prima reazione è violenta e per poco non la trafigge con il suo pugnale. Una reazione istintiva, di cui si pente, non appena scopre che l'intrusa non è altro che una bellissima donna. In fondo, l'idea di divertirsi tra le morbide curve di un'avvenente fanciulla, non è affatto male. Solo che Mairead Buchanan non è una delle ragazze della locanda. E allora perché si è intrufoltata nella sua camera, se non per giacere con lui? Almeno che non stia provando a derubarlo.
In effetti, Mairead è entrata con lo scopo di appropriarsi di un oggetto, che le appartiene, solo che non è lui l'uomo che ha visto fuggire con il prezioso pugnale.
Che fare ora? Di certo non lo può assecondare, anche se l'equivoco l'ha spinta tra due braccia forti e coinvolgenti, che sembrano privarla di ogni inibizione. Gli eventi, però, precipitano: le donnine che si intrattengono con il fratello di Caird non la riconoscono e l'uomo che lei inseguiva appare, cercando di darsi alla fuga appena la vede.
L'intervento dei fratelli Colquhoun impediscono al ladro di portarsi la refurtiva, ma nonostante Mairead assicuri che quel pugnale con incastonati dei rubini sia suo, Caird non le crede e decide di trascinarsela dietro fino a quando non avrà scoperto la verità sul suo conto. Anche perché quell'oggetto non ha solo un notevole valore economico, ma è un'arma leggendaria per la Scozia e non può essere della piccola e avvenente Buchanan.
Senza contare che i Buchanan sono noti per raccontare menzogne e rubare e quell'oggeto affida a chi lo detiene un enorme potere, esponendolo anche ad un grande pericolo. Caird non ha dubbi deve scoprire la verità e per farlo lei gli sarà di aiuto.
Il problema è tenere a bada la forte attrazione fisica che esiste tra loro e che rischia di ofuscargli la mente, impedendogli di ragionare come suo solito.
Inizia così un'avventurosa ricerca della verità, che permetterà a due nemici storici, i Colquhoun e i Buchanan di conoscersi e salvarsi la vita a vicenda, scoprendo che quella che sembrava solo un'attrazione fisica è in realtà una relazione destinata a durare.
Ambientato nella Scozia del 1296 è un romanzo che mescola sensualità ed avventura, permettendo a due anime apparentemente dissimili di sanare le reciproche ferite, imparando a fidarsi l'uno dell'altro, in un percorso fisico ed interiore, che li porterà a superare i pregiudizi, fino alla resa finale. Che dirvi di più? Sono curiosa di leggere il terzo ed il quarto volume per scoprire come si completa il quadro della famiglia Colquhoun, con in testa il laird.
Nel frattempo vi auguro una piacevole lettura.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Enemy Highlander is the second book in the Lovers and Legends series. This story is of Caird of Clan Colquhoun & Mairead Buchanan from two enemy clans. We first met Caird in the previous book, The Knight's Broken Promise and also heard a little of the Buchanan clan.

Coming from enemy clans Caird and Mairead were raised to hate each other so realizing they have an attraction to each other is most inconvenient and unwelcomed.... Caird is the middle brother, the responsible, dependable and quiet one. Mairead is impulsive, reckless and tends to make mistakes. Together these two struggled to trust each other and there were a lot of obstacles in the way of their HEA. A kidnapping, a murder and a mysterious jeweled dagger add to the intrigue and suspense in Caird and Mairead's story. So much more than just a romance! I'm really enjoying this series and looking forward to reading Bram the Laird of Colquhoun's story next. ;-)

[Vana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not like to give this novel less than a 3 because all the elements were there, the alpha male, the courageous heroine and other interesting secondary characters, but it was just not my cup of tea. The book started out well but the plot was slow in places and some of the scenarios were unrealistic. Some things were left unaddressed, like who was the murderous Englishman?
The book was well written and entertaining in parts and will be enjoyed by some. it was just not for me.

[Persephone Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author : Nicole Locke
Titel : #her #enemy #highlander

#Book rating: 2,75 / 5
#Story : 3/5 -lot of potential Sometimes to fast.
#Love : 2,5/5 -sometimes unlogical
#plot : 3/5
#characters : 2,5 /5

Fazit: really nice simple but much needed Love Story. #goodbook

[Aline Damasceno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma história super gostosinha de se ler, mas uma vez tive a sensação de algumas pontas soltas na história. Mas adorei a sensualidade das cenas, o enredo, as cenas de conflito. Queria o resto da série publicada no Brasil 😭😭

[Christelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5

[Mary Craven · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series. Enjoyed this one as well, but a little heavy on the mystery. Harder to keep all the storyline juggling. In the end, a good read.

[StoneSong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story set in Scotland, count me sold cover to cover. There’s nothing like a little suspense in a romance novel <3 <3 <3

[Konstantina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Louise Broadfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first one. i just didn't really feel it. hope book 3 is good.

[Karine Darnessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un second tome où je suis passer par pas mal d'émotions. Mon avis complet via le lien. https://songedunenuitdete.com/2017/02...

Disclaimer: Here is the right French cover of the volume 2 of the series Lovers and legends. Un mystérieux chevalier is in fact the knight’s broken promise (Volume 1 of lovers and legends). There was an error when the French index card was posted.

[GetYourSmutOn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good historical read, they let you become immersed in a completely different time where you can't even begin to fathom how they lived and survived. I would probably die, like right away. I would definitely starve to death because I don't know how to make anything from scratch...and I mean make the flour, grind the grains scratch. Thankfully, I just got to read about their lives and write my little romance book review. No dying needed today!

Read the full review here: (enter shameless self promotion) http://getyoursmuton.com/2015/12/04/r...

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Lovers and Legends

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Lovers and Legends

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters in this book. The first few chapters really pulled me in!

[MsCSG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters & a fun romance. A very nice book to curl up with.

[Diane Hamel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story...