Highlander Unchained and Forbidden Highlander by the talented Donna Fletcher us an unforgettable story. "Cree & Dawn Series Books 1 & 2 (formerly Highlander Trilogy)."
"Highlander Unchained & Forbidden Highlander are now together in one new revised edition!"
Can an infamous Highlander and a peasant woman without a voice, find their HEA? *Please note, while I would not consider this book as having a cliffhanger, it's more of a continuation of the saga of Cree and Dawn's incredible love story, it's does leave some questions.*
In "Highlander Unchained" readers find Cree, an infamous warrior of some renowned, when he's paraded before the village of Dowell, shackled and wounded, he still walks with an arrogant pride, meeting all the curious stares of the fearful villagers with a fierceness that has them all fearful for their lives. All but one, voiceless peasant, named, Dawn who is instantly attracted to him, she simply can't look away.
Dawn is issued a demand by the liege lord, Colum to attend to his renowned prisoner, Cree, in all ways possible, including pleasing him in ALL ways, while he awaits his fate, or suffer the consequences. Dawn is a virgin, she is horrified, but better to please the devil she doesn't know then the one she knows. Colum, is evil itself, he's rurhless, mean-spirited and commands subsmission of his will by all. He believes Dawn dumb, because she is voiceless, so she can not tell anything, nor his secrets, but everyone unestimates her abilities, except for her best friend and her husband, for they know she is very intelligent, kind hearted and thinks outside the box. Now Cree understands her well enough to recognize her abilities and understands her sign language. She soon falls in love with Cree, but all is not as it seems. Dawn helps Cree to escape his prison and all heck breaks loose. Cree has plans of his own, to protect Dawn and the village of Dowell, which has been decreed to him by the King for his service and his bravery. But, someone is out to silence Dawn forever.
Thus the story continues....
In "Forbidden Highlander", Cree and Dawn's story continues.... someone is still trying to silence Dawn permanently. But who and why? Dawn and Cree have become close, but Cree has been promised to another, Lucerne Gerwan, by the king. Dawn struggles with being Cree's mistress and now she's carrying his child. What will happen to her and her unborn child, when Cree finds out she's with child? When Cree marries? Lucerne, is not what she seems, either. She has her own secrets and battles. Then to make things even worse, the warriors from the McClusky clan, their laird, Kirk McClusky, and his son arrives, unwelcomed, and to the shock of all, claims Dawn to be his daughter. Is she ? She has lived her entire life not knowing her father and totally alone once her mother died, except for her best friend and Old Mary, who is a surprise to be sure. Old Mary knows much, but says very little, she speaks more in riddles. People in the village is scared of the kind-hearted Dawn, but Cree demands they give her respect. Of course, Cree and Dawn's attraction and passion grows more intense as danger lurks in the shadows. Then they learn more secrets, who is Dawn's mother, what is truly wrong with Lucerne, is she really so rude, arrogant or is there more to her and what's happening, there are so many unanswered questions. Which are answered, by the way.
Cree and Dawn is an incredible story, their love grows, if only Cree will admit his feelings to himself and Cree before it's too late. Will Cree marry Lucerne as the king decreed or can he found a way around the decreed, to marry his true love and his heart, or will he lose all including their unborn child and Dawn?
Fast paced, well written with well-developed characters who are engaging and their love breathtaking. The plot to this series is intriguing, captivating and I found myself instinctively drawn to Cree and Dawn's story. Ms. Fletcher does an excellent job of showing Dawn's disability, her capabilities, and her communication skills. Cree and Dawn are such lovable and viable characters, it's hard to turn away from them as they meet their struggles, challenges and their duties head on, with a fierceness that will leave readers breathless. This is not the ending to Cree and Dawn's story, it's only the beginning. Follow Cree and Dawn as they struggle not only to survive but to overcome the obstacles placed before them, to find their HEA. The journey of their lives continue through, in future stories.
I absolutely loved Cree and Dawn's story and their adventures, a true love story for the ages. A must read! Another hit by the incredible and talented Donna Fletcher. I always enjoy her stories, she never diappoints me and I look forward to reading more of Cree and Dawn's continuing story.
*Please be aware, while not a specific racy story, the love scenes are sensual, often and a bit, and in different ways, not to offend anyone. Some readers may find this offensive.*
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR