What do you think?
Rate this book
Connected Books #1
Highland Obsession
In the Scottish Highlands, two warriors are about to clash over a woman of passion...
They were the unlikeliest of friends debauching their way through London: The Earl of Camdonn, a nobleman of vast wealth and power, and Scottish laird Alan MacDonald, a respected Jacobite with ambitions of his own.
But their friendship is destroyed when Alan marries the beautiful Sorcha Stewart-only to witness Cam kidnap her from their bedroom. Then Alan learns the truth: his bride was not an innocent. She took a lover before him-his friend-who taught her the ways of pleasure.
Now, Alan will do anything to get his wife back. Cam fights to redeem his honor, even as he refuses to give up his desire. Torn between love and duty, Sorcha must watch as the two men she desires go to war over her. And when the battle lines are drawn, all three lovers are lured into a triangle of forbidden passions...
They were the unlikeliest of friends debauching their way through London: The Earl of Camdonn, a nobleman of vast wealth and power, and Scottish laird Alan MacDonald, a respected Jacobite with ambitions of his own.
But their friendship is destroyed when Alan marries the beautiful Sorcha Stewart-only to witness Cam kidnap her from their bedroom. Then Alan learns the truth: his bride was not an innocent. She took a lover before him-his friend-who taught her the ways of pleasure.
Now, Alan will do anything to get his wife back. Cam fights to redeem his honor, even as he refuses to give up his desire. Torn between love and duty, Sorcha must watch as the two men she desires go to war over her. And when the battle lines are drawn, all three lovers are lured into a triangle of forbidden passions...
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2009
10 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Halliday
17 books54 followersRaised on a boat in the South Pacific and in the quiet rainforests of Hawaii, Dawn Halliday had plenty of time to develop her overzealous imagination. Between exploring deserted atolls, swimming in churning seas, and exploring lava tubes, Dawn started dreaming up stories of love and adventure before she could read them.
When she's not traveling to exotic lands (which she can always justify as "research"), Dawn lives with her True Love and three rambunctious children in Southern California. She writes passionate historical and contemporary romance, and loves every minute of it.
When she's not traveling to exotic lands (which she can always justify as "research"), Dawn lives with her True Love and three rambunctious children in Southern California. She writes passionate historical and contemporary romance, and loves every minute of it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 12, 2010
This is one of the most difficult novels I’ve ever reviewed as well as one of the most difficult stories I’ve ever read.
First let me start by saying that I enjoyed Dawn Halliday’s writing. Her style is comfortable, flows easily and is well thought out. However, the story itself was not at all enjoyable. It was heart wrenching, tormenting and left me feeling depressed for days afterwards. Is this what the author intended? I hope not!
Even now as I'm revisiting the story to write this review, I feel very sad, which is the reason for an overall low rating. If I could give separate ratings, I would rate the author a 3.5 star because she was able to write the pain and unhappiness and have it come across so vividly. The story itself would receive 1 star because of how vividly painful the story was and how this pain could have been avoided had the leading males not been such utter and completely heartless asses.
It's difficult to write this review and explain why I feel the way I do without really going into story details and plot. So, if you don't want to read a complete summation done up in Cliff note style, stop reading now.
Story summary and reasons for my ratings.
Several months before her marriage to Alan, laird of his clan, Sorcha had carried on a heated, passionate affair with Cam, Alan’s best friend, and Earl of Camdonn. The affair ended when Sorcha’s family left Camdonn Castle, moving to live on Alan’s land, who would now be their laird. Alan spotted Sorcha at her home while he was visiting her father, and immediately decided that he wanted her for his bride. The marriage was arranged and after a short engagement, Alan and Sorcha were wed.
Knowing that her father had unwittingly promised Alan that she was innocent, Sorcha pretended to be a virgin when Alan took her on their wedding night. Alan had been the compassionate, caring husband, trying to be gentle and easing her into the intimate aspects of their relationship. Sorcha felt guilty for her deception, but knew that telling Alan the truth would only cause him pain. What neither Alan nor Sorcha realized was that Cam was standing outside their cottage window, watching the loving going on inside. He saw that Sorcha pretended to be afraid, pretended to be innocent under Alan's touch and it was driving him mad. But not too mad, as he was able to pleasure himself while watching the goings on inside the cottage. When the love making was ended, Cam broke into the cottage and kidnapped Sorcha, taking her back to his castle where he hoped she would profess her love for him and stay with him as his mistress.
Sorcha had other ideas. She refused his advances and repeated attempts to seduce her, and later that night after Cam had fallen into a drunken sleep, she escaped, returning to her new home and her husband. Unfortunately, or fortunately as some might see it, Alan had put 2 and 2 together and figured out that his innocent bride was not so innocent.
I am ok with the story, up to this point. It’s Alan’s treatment of Sorcha when discovering her deception that made this a bitter read.
Alan had every right to be upset that his wife had lied to him, no question about it. But when Sorcha swore that nothing happened during the evening that she spent as Cam’s captive, Alan didn’t believe her. OK, I get that, too. But even after she admitted to the past affair and swore she was being honest and would never lie to Alan again, he treated her horribly. He ignored her, avoided her, and left her wondering if he was going to stay with her or leave her. Every day he would go out for “rides” and didn’t think she had any right to know where he was going. By the end of the day she had no idea if he was coming back or not. It was sheer sadistic, psychological manipulation.
Finally one day, he seemed to start softening towards her. They went for a walk and were having a good time, but Alan decided he needed intimate details of her sexual relationship with Cam. He didn’t like what he heard and, even though she was recovering from injuries to her feet which she got when escaping from Cam’s kidnapping of her, Alan left her to make her way home alone – on foot – while he, yet again, went riding.
At some point, Alan had received a note from Cam, asking Alan to meet him at the home of Grainne, a “whore,” so they could discuss this issue with Sorcha. Alan arrived to find that Cam was not there, but Grainne was less than subtle in her attempts to seduce Alan, going along with a plan she and Cam had cooked up to drive Sorcha back into Cam’s bed. So we see, even though his best friend is married to her, Cam is still determined to have Sorcha for his own mistress.
Alan wanted no part of the seduction and repeatedly put distance between he and Grainne. That changed, however, when Sorcha, who had been told where Alan had gone, burst into the cottage and found the naked woman seducing her husband. Rather than explain to Sorcha what had taken place, and even though he had spent a considerable amount of time telling Grainne "no,” Alan allowed her to believe that he was seeking comfort in the bed of another woman. He even went so far as to strip off his clothes while Sorcha watched. It wasn’t until Grainne was on her knees in front of Alan ready to get down to business, that Sorcha lost control and went after the woman with a sword. Alan intervened, saving Grainne. When the plot was uncovered, Alan tossed the whore out of her home and had sex with Sorcha. They then went to their home and it seemed that everything was going to work out. However, this last attempt on Cam’s part to take Sorcha was more than Alan was willing to allow and before leaving Grainne's home, Alan wrote a letter to Cam, challenging him to a duel.
Now, I can't imagine the pain Sorcha must have felt, seeing what her husband was doing. And what kind of man is Alan, knowing that his wife has done everything she could do to make up for her past "sin" and still wanted to hurt her by allowing her to think he was having sex with someone else? At this point, Alan should have been drawn and quartered as far as I am concerned.
So, the morning of the duel, Alan injures Cam severely and feels bad about it. He and Sorcha accompany Cam to his castle where they will care for him. Days go by and finally he starts recovering. Alan and Sorcha take this opportunity to spend the evening in bed, and we get yet another glimpse into Alan's poor character. He again wants to know in what ways Cam had "taken" Sorcha. When he finds out that she hadn't been taken anally, he decides that that is what he will do. It reminded me of an animal marking its territory.
The next evening, Cam has recovered enough to sit and visit with Alan and Sorcha. Everything seems to be ok, but they have a little too much to drink and yet again Alan starts insisting on knowing details about Cam and Sorcha's sexual encounters. Before you know it, he's playing a little touchy feely with Sorcha and Cam starts getting a little hot and bothered. Alan decides to offer a threesome. It was clearly a test, I know it, Alan knew it... but only Cam and Sorcha didn't realize it. Hmmm. One of the most disturbing parts of this was that Alan decided Cam could take her anally, but not vaginally because "that" part of her belonged to him and him alone now. If Alan were alive today he would be a hit on the Dr. Phil show. Or Jerry Springer. I'm just sayin'...
Anyway, the next morning, Alan awakes to find Sorcha and Cam beside him, sleeping in a lovers embrace and geeee, this bothers him. I can't understand why, after all, it was his idea. As he’s laying there stewing over this, a knock at the chamber door brings Alan news that a battle has begun and his men have already left to go fight. He knows that as their laird, it's his responsibility to be right there with them in the battle. He chooses not to wake Sorcha and Cam but instead leaves without saying goodbye. Eventually they wake up, realize he is gone and go after him.
Now, during this time of looking for Alan, Cam decides that he's not going to pursue Sorcha any longer. There was no V-8 moment, no sudden realization that the three of them deserved better... it just happened.
Anyway, now the story really becomes unbelievable. They find out about Alan going into battle and they travel for 3 days looking for him. Finally they find him and Sorcha is left to wait at the cottage of some woman while Cam goes into the battle to find Alan to tell him that Sorcha loves him. And I mean seriously into the battle. There are dead people lying about, people fighting, etc. Am I supposed to believe that any sane person would go into the thick of a battle just to tell someone that someone else loves him? Then it gets better! Sorcha is tired of waiting for Cam to return and so she follows them into the battle. I picture a woman holding up her skirts, stepping over dead bodies as she’s looking for her husband who’s busy making more dead bodies!
Anyway, she finds him, professes her undying love and they decide to start anew. Just that simple.
Fast forward 10 months and we see Cam come to say goodbye to Sorcha and Alan. He's decided to go to England and find his own "proper wife." I imagine there's a "proper wife" shoppe there and can't help but wish that there had been "proper husband" shoppes when I was young and single.
But I digress...
Even though they had been through all this pain, all this unnecessary anguish which had been brought on by their own stupid choices, and even though I never really felt like anything was resolved, they asked Cam to be the godfather to their children. Hello? The man tried to steal your wife, more than once, and you want him to be godfather to your children? Am I missing something here??
So the bottom line is this - as the story comes to a close, I can't feel happy for the characters. I think they are still uncertain, mistrusting, unhappy and "settling" for what should be a happily ever after but because of their own foolishness and stupidity, will be a life lived empty of the joy and contentment that should come with marriage to the ONE you love.
Edited to correct some of the atrocious spelling and grammar mistakes, and to mark spoilers.
First let me start by saying that I enjoyed Dawn Halliday’s writing. Her style is comfortable, flows easily and is well thought out. However, the story itself was not at all enjoyable. It was heart wrenching, tormenting and left me feeling depressed for days afterwards. Is this what the author intended? I hope not!
Even now as I'm revisiting the story to write this review, I feel very sad, which is the reason for an overall low rating. If I could give separate ratings, I would rate the author a 3.5 star because she was able to write the pain and unhappiness and have it come across so vividly. The story itself would receive 1 star because of how vividly painful the story was and how this pain could have been avoided had the leading males not been such utter and completely heartless asses.
It's difficult to write this review and explain why I feel the way I do without really going into story details and plot. So, if you don't want to read a complete summation done up in Cliff note style, stop reading now.
Story summary and reasons for my ratings.
Several months before her marriage to Alan, laird of his clan, Sorcha had carried on a heated, passionate affair with Cam, Alan’s best friend, and Earl of Camdonn. The affair ended when Sorcha’s family left Camdonn Castle, moving to live on Alan’s land, who would now be their laird. Alan spotted Sorcha at her home while he was visiting her father, and immediately decided that he wanted her for his bride. The marriage was arranged and after a short engagement, Alan and Sorcha were wed.
Knowing that her father had unwittingly promised Alan that she was innocent, Sorcha pretended to be a virgin when Alan took her on their wedding night. Alan had been the compassionate, caring husband, trying to be gentle and easing her into the intimate aspects of their relationship. Sorcha felt guilty for her deception, but knew that telling Alan the truth would only cause him pain. What neither Alan nor Sorcha realized was that Cam was standing outside their cottage window, watching the loving going on inside. He saw that Sorcha pretended to be afraid, pretended to be innocent under Alan's touch and it was driving him mad. But not too mad, as he was able to pleasure himself while watching the goings on inside the cottage. When the love making was ended, Cam broke into the cottage and kidnapped Sorcha, taking her back to his castle where he hoped she would profess her love for him and stay with him as his mistress.
Sorcha had other ideas. She refused his advances and repeated attempts to seduce her, and later that night after Cam had fallen into a drunken sleep, she escaped, returning to her new home and her husband. Unfortunately, or fortunately as some might see it, Alan had put 2 and 2 together and figured out that his innocent bride was not so innocent.
I am ok with the story, up to this point. It’s Alan’s treatment of Sorcha when discovering her deception that made this a bitter read.
Alan had every right to be upset that his wife had lied to him, no question about it. But when Sorcha swore that nothing happened during the evening that she spent as Cam’s captive, Alan didn’t believe her. OK, I get that, too. But even after she admitted to the past affair and swore she was being honest and would never lie to Alan again, he treated her horribly. He ignored her, avoided her, and left her wondering if he was going to stay with her or leave her. Every day he would go out for “rides” and didn’t think she had any right to know where he was going. By the end of the day she had no idea if he was coming back or not. It was sheer sadistic, psychological manipulation.
Finally one day, he seemed to start softening towards her. They went for a walk and were having a good time, but Alan decided he needed intimate details of her sexual relationship with Cam. He didn’t like what he heard and, even though she was recovering from injuries to her feet which she got when escaping from Cam’s kidnapping of her, Alan left her to make her way home alone – on foot – while he, yet again, went riding.
At some point, Alan had received a note from Cam, asking Alan to meet him at the home of Grainne, a “whore,” so they could discuss this issue with Sorcha. Alan arrived to find that Cam was not there, but Grainne was less than subtle in her attempts to seduce Alan, going along with a plan she and Cam had cooked up to drive Sorcha back into Cam’s bed. So we see, even though his best friend is married to her, Cam is still determined to have Sorcha for his own mistress.
Alan wanted no part of the seduction and repeatedly put distance between he and Grainne. That changed, however, when Sorcha, who had been told where Alan had gone, burst into the cottage and found the naked woman seducing her husband. Rather than explain to Sorcha what had taken place, and even though he had spent a considerable amount of time telling Grainne "no,” Alan allowed her to believe that he was seeking comfort in the bed of another woman. He even went so far as to strip off his clothes while Sorcha watched. It wasn’t until Grainne was on her knees in front of Alan ready to get down to business, that Sorcha lost control and went after the woman with a sword. Alan intervened, saving Grainne. When the plot was uncovered, Alan tossed the whore out of her home and had sex with Sorcha. They then went to their home and it seemed that everything was going to work out. However, this last attempt on Cam’s part to take Sorcha was more than Alan was willing to allow and before leaving Grainne's home, Alan wrote a letter to Cam, challenging him to a duel.
Now, I can't imagine the pain Sorcha must have felt, seeing what her husband was doing. And what kind of man is Alan, knowing that his wife has done everything she could do to make up for her past "sin" and still wanted to hurt her by allowing her to think he was having sex with someone else? At this point, Alan should have been drawn and quartered as far as I am concerned.
So, the morning of the duel, Alan injures Cam severely and feels bad about it. He and Sorcha accompany Cam to his castle where they will care for him. Days go by and finally he starts recovering. Alan and Sorcha take this opportunity to spend the evening in bed, and we get yet another glimpse into Alan's poor character. He again wants to know in what ways Cam had "taken" Sorcha. When he finds out that she hadn't been taken anally, he decides that that is what he will do. It reminded me of an animal marking its territory.
The next evening, Cam has recovered enough to sit and visit with Alan and Sorcha. Everything seems to be ok, but they have a little too much to drink and yet again Alan starts insisting on knowing details about Cam and Sorcha's sexual encounters. Before you know it, he's playing a little touchy feely with Sorcha and Cam starts getting a little hot and bothered. Alan decides to offer a threesome. It was clearly a test, I know it, Alan knew it... but only Cam and Sorcha didn't realize it. Hmmm. One of the most disturbing parts of this was that Alan decided Cam could take her anally, but not vaginally because "that" part of her belonged to him and him alone now. If Alan were alive today he would be a hit on the Dr. Phil show. Or Jerry Springer. I'm just sayin'...
Anyway, the next morning, Alan awakes to find Sorcha and Cam beside him, sleeping in a lovers embrace and geeee, this bothers him. I can't understand why, after all, it was his idea. As he’s laying there stewing over this, a knock at the chamber door brings Alan news that a battle has begun and his men have already left to go fight. He knows that as their laird, it's his responsibility to be right there with them in the battle. He chooses not to wake Sorcha and Cam but instead leaves without saying goodbye. Eventually they wake up, realize he is gone and go after him.
Now, during this time of looking for Alan, Cam decides that he's not going to pursue Sorcha any longer. There was no V-8 moment, no sudden realization that the three of them deserved better... it just happened.
Anyway, now the story really becomes unbelievable. They find out about Alan going into battle and they travel for 3 days looking for him. Finally they find him and Sorcha is left to wait at the cottage of some woman while Cam goes into the battle to find Alan to tell him that Sorcha loves him. And I mean seriously into the battle. There are dead people lying about, people fighting, etc. Am I supposed to believe that any sane person would go into the thick of a battle just to tell someone that someone else loves him? Then it gets better! Sorcha is tired of waiting for Cam to return and so she follows them into the battle. I picture a woman holding up her skirts, stepping over dead bodies as she’s looking for her husband who’s busy making more dead bodies!
Anyway, she finds him, professes her undying love and they decide to start anew. Just that simple.
Fast forward 10 months and we see Cam come to say goodbye to Sorcha and Alan. He's decided to go to England and find his own "proper wife." I imagine there's a "proper wife" shoppe there and can't help but wish that there had been "proper husband" shoppes when I was young and single.
But I digress...
Even though they had been through all this pain, all this unnecessary anguish which had been brought on by their own stupid choices, and even though I never really felt like anything was resolved, they asked Cam to be the godfather to their children. Hello? The man tried to steal your wife, more than once, and you want him to be godfather to your children? Am I missing something here??
So the bottom line is this - as the story comes to a close, I can't feel happy for the characters. I think they are still uncertain, mistrusting, unhappy and "settling" for what should be a happily ever after but because of their own foolishness and stupidity, will be a life lived empty of the joy and contentment that should come with marriage to the ONE you love.
Edited to correct some of the atrocious spelling and grammar mistakes, and to mark spoilers.
July 25, 2012
Cam, the Earl of Camdonn, and Alan MacDonald, a Scottish Laird, have been best friends since their young days at school in London when they learned to have each other's backs against the English aristrocratic youth intent on keeping the Scottish barbarians in their places. They fought together. They drank together. They debauched together. They even loved together. Alas, their paths diverged when each was finally called to meet their adult responsiblities. Cam left London first after the death of his father, the old Earl, when he was needed to take up the duties and responsibilities as the current Earl of Camdonn. Yet, he was still a rogue of the first-degree, and immediately found his prey in the young, beautiful daughter of his factor, Sorcha Stewart. She twisted his gut with desire, and he made haste to make her his in every way. His seductions of Sorcha did not go unnoticed by her father, and when he decided to retire early and move his family from Camdonn Castle back to his home village of Glenfinnan, Cam made no objections knowing all along that his future must lie with a formal marriage to a titled heiress as was the expectation for someone of his rank. Unfortunately, Cam's true feelings were not uncovered by his heart until a short time later when Sorcha became engaged and then married to the last man Cam would ever have dreamed of. How was he to handle the woman of his heart being married to the one man Cam thought of as a brother, Alan MacDonald?
Sorcha knew it was wrong to enter into a physical relationship with the Earl, but Cam had captured the passion of her heart from the very first. It was hard to say good bye, but even if she had it to do over again, Sorcha woud change nothing of the last year of her life. Even now, on her wedding night awaiting the attentions of her new husband, knowing the lie she was about to uphold about her innocence and virginity, she could not regret a single moment with Cam. He would always be a part of her. This would be the first and last time she would ever mislead her new husband, but there would be more pain for everyone involved to know the truth now. What did it matter anyway when she sincerely wanted to be a good wife and make a good life with Alan, a man who would be all too easy to love?
Alan MacDonald, the new, young Laird of the Glennfinnan MacDonalds was anxious to begin his new life and the first step in doing so was to take a wife. Alan did not want just any wife, he wanted what he had never had. He had known women before, in every way, but what he had never known was a woman of innocence. He wanted a woman who would know only him. His decision was sealed the moment he laid eyes on the young maiden, Sorcha Stewart. His heart was lost from that moment. She was proving to be everything he could have dreamed of in a wife - beautiful, smart, obedient, even wanton while being innocent. At least he had thought so, until their wedding night when his best friend steals his wife at sword point.
What a trying triangular love affair this turned out to be! I loved it, and then I hated it! And then I loved it again! Honestly, I had trouble deciding how I really felt about the story. I found myself rooting for and cheering on Cam, who ultimately did not end up with the heroine and was never meant to, but I really liked and felt more compassion for his character than for Alan MacDonald's. Besides Cam was painted a much more mysterious, dangerous rogue with much more sex appeal. The sex was a little different than what is usually found in a historical romance, but it added a whole new element to "tupping." Ultimately, I had to give this story an overall rating of 4. It caught me and didn't let me go!
Sorcha knew it was wrong to enter into a physical relationship with the Earl, but Cam had captured the passion of her heart from the very first. It was hard to say good bye, but even if she had it to do over again, Sorcha woud change nothing of the last year of her life. Even now, on her wedding night awaiting the attentions of her new husband, knowing the lie she was about to uphold about her innocence and virginity, she could not regret a single moment with Cam. He would always be a part of her. This would be the first and last time she would ever mislead her new husband, but there would be more pain for everyone involved to know the truth now. What did it matter anyway when she sincerely wanted to be a good wife and make a good life with Alan, a man who would be all too easy to love?
Alan MacDonald, the new, young Laird of the Glennfinnan MacDonalds was anxious to begin his new life and the first step in doing so was to take a wife. Alan did not want just any wife, he wanted what he had never had. He had known women before, in every way, but what he had never known was a woman of innocence. He wanted a woman who would know only him. His decision was sealed the moment he laid eyes on the young maiden, Sorcha Stewart. His heart was lost from that moment. She was proving to be everything he could have dreamed of in a wife - beautiful, smart, obedient, even wanton while being innocent. At least he had thought so, until their wedding night when his best friend steals his wife at sword point.
What a trying triangular love affair this turned out to be! I loved it, and then I hated it! And then I loved it again! Honestly, I had trouble deciding how I really felt about the story. I found myself rooting for and cheering on Cam, who ultimately did not end up with the heroine and was never meant to, but I really liked and felt more compassion for his character than for Alan MacDonald's. Besides Cam was painted a much more mysterious, dangerous rogue with much more sex appeal. The sex was a little different than what is usually found in a historical romance, but it added a whole new element to "tupping." Ultimately, I had to give this story an overall rating of 4. It caught me and didn't let me go!
December 6, 2009
In the Scottish Highlands, two warriors are about to clash over a woman of passion...
They were the unlikeliest of friends debauching their way through London: The Earl of Camdon, a nobleman of vast wealth and power, and Scottish laird Alan MacDonald, a respected Jacobite with ambitions of his own.
But their friendship is destroyed when Alan marries the beautiful Sorcha Stewart—only to witness Cam kidnap her from their bedroom. Then Alan learns the truth: his bride was not an innocent. She took a lover before him—his friend—who taught her the ways of pleasure.
Now, Alan will do anything to get his wife back. Cam fights to redeem his honor, even as he refuses to give up his desire. Torn between love and duty, Sorcha must watch as the two men she desires go to war over her. And when the battle lines are drawn, all three lovers are lured into a triangle of forbidden passions…
This was a really interesting read. Definitely a real page turner! the entire book was full of surprises it kept me wondering what would happen right up till the last page!
Love triangles are always interesting! Sorcha's first love/lust, the Earl of Camdonn, steals her from her wedding night directly out of the arms of her new husband Alan MacDonald. Sorcha needs to decide which man she truly wants her first love, or was it lust? or her new husband who seems perfect for her. Was her relationship with Cam simply an infatuation or more? Does she want to be with her new husband Alan out of a growing feelings for him or out or honnor?
Cam needs to figure out wither he wants Sorcha because he is in love with her or simply because he can no longer have her.
Alan need to find out if he wants to stay married to his wife out of fascination, possession, and honor, or if he is truly falling in love with her.... but can he set aside his jealousy and can Sorcha set aside her feelings for Cam in order to explore her growing love for her husband?
Kidnapping, duels, a threesome, sword fights, a mountain full of prostitutes, nosy families, life long friendships, dangerous illnesses, daring escapes, a political war, death and battle fields made this book extremely interesting. Nothing in this book was predictable, I can't wait for the second book! I want to know what happens next!!!
They were the unlikeliest of friends debauching their way through London: The Earl of Camdon, a nobleman of vast wealth and power, and Scottish laird Alan MacDonald, a respected Jacobite with ambitions of his own.
But their friendship is destroyed when Alan marries the beautiful Sorcha Stewart—only to witness Cam kidnap her from their bedroom. Then Alan learns the truth: his bride was not an innocent. She took a lover before him—his friend—who taught her the ways of pleasure.
Now, Alan will do anything to get his wife back. Cam fights to redeem his honor, even as he refuses to give up his desire. Torn between love and duty, Sorcha must watch as the two men she desires go to war over her. And when the battle lines are drawn, all three lovers are lured into a triangle of forbidden passions…
This was a really interesting read. Definitely a real page turner! the entire book was full of surprises it kept me wondering what would happen right up till the last page!
Love triangles are always interesting! Sorcha's first love/lust, the Earl of Camdonn, steals her from her wedding night directly out of the arms of her new husband Alan MacDonald. Sorcha needs to decide which man she truly wants her first love, or was it lust? or her new husband who seems perfect for her. Was her relationship with Cam simply an infatuation or more? Does she want to be with her new husband Alan out of a growing feelings for him or out or honnor?
Cam needs to figure out wither he wants Sorcha because he is in love with her or simply because he can no longer have her.
Alan need to find out if he wants to stay married to his wife out of fascination, possession, and honor, or if he is truly falling in love with her.... but can he set aside his jealousy and can Sorcha set aside her feelings for Cam in order to explore her growing love for her husband?
Kidnapping, duels, a threesome, sword fights, a mountain full of prostitutes, nosy families, life long friendships, dangerous illnesses, daring escapes, a political war, death and battle fields made this book extremely interesting. Nothing in this book was predictable, I can't wait for the second book! I want to know what happens next!!!
November 4, 2010
I'm really not sure how to review this story, and I'm honestly not sure I liked it or not. This is a very intense, emotional drama set in Northern Scotland in the Jacobite period of 1715. You have three main characters who have all made mistakes and who have all let pride and lies rule them in some fashion.
It begins on Sorcha and Alan's wedding night. Sorcha is a fairly young (23) woman by today's standards but would be considered on her way to being mature back then. Sorcha has a big secret and its eating her alive. When she lived with her father, the factor for Lord Camdonn, she had an affair and lost her virginity to Cam (Lord Camdonn). The affair has been over for months and now she sits in fear on her wedding night knowing her husband Alan is not only expecting but wanting a virgin bride. In all fairness to Sorcha, she's a rather immature 23 and Cam is several years and vastly more of the world. Cam should have known he was ruining her because an Earl could never marry a lowly Factor's daughter. To Sorcha's credit, she has made the decision to make this marriage to her stranger husband work, and to always be honest with him - AFTER she pretends herself through a "virgin wedding night".
Cam has decided he cannot live without Sorcha, but waits until its too late. Sorcha is married. So being the arrogant Lord of the realm that he is, he kidnaps her on her wedding night, literally from the marriage bed. He injures Alan and spirits Sorcha away to his home several miles away. Cam has no intention of marrying her, he just wants her. The fact that Alan is his best friend pains him, but Cam rationalizes his way into making the kidnapping acceptable to himself. Sorcha fights him and ends up spending the night - alone - but the damage has been done.
Alan is Laird of his small northern Scottish clan. He's returned from England where he originally met and became best friends with Cam in boarding school. He and Cam have a long history of debauchery and "sinning" their way through England but now he's home and has decided its time to retire his old ways and marry and lead his clan. His ideal wife is an untouched virgin bride. Thinking he's gotten this with Sorcha, he enjoys a somewhat wanton wedding night believing Sorcha is just a "natural". He's enraged when his "friend" Cam steals his wife away only hours later. Following them to Cam's home, he attempts to rescue her only to be injured and knocked out. Cam's men take him back to his small home where Sorcha's family find him and the truth of Sorcha's "secret" unwittingly comes to light while discussing what happened.
There is quite a bit of emotional drama for all characters. I never warmed up to Cam, even after he made every attempt to redeem himself and make things right between Alan and Sorcha. Alan himself was no prize - he couldn't equate his feelings for Sorcha with what happened before and right after the marriage and his way of dealing with it was to be cold and unfeeling toward Sorcha, even after she escaped from Cam's house and made her way on foot, injured, back to him. (She was injured trying to escape) Sorcha I felt was genuinely apologetic but she was a milquetoast. While I realize things were far different then for men and women, Sorcha let Alan treat her like dirt and literally groveled at his feet for forgiveness, when she was probably the only one who hadn't actually done any wrongdoing (after the marriage). I didn't want to like her but I did - even though she was "in the wrong" to not tell Alan of her virginity before the marriage, she acted with complete and total honesty in every single conversation they had. She groveled at Alan's feet when I would have just packed up and left his broody self to his own devices. And she was genuinely remorseful and realized that Cam had taken advantage of her.
There's a scene towards the end - the crux of the story - that I didn't like. Alan conceived it, Cam went along with it and Sorcha didn't say "no". All three were in the wrong and it only seemed to make an already explosive situation that much more volatile.
In the end, I'd give this a 2.5 stars. There seems to be a sequel to the book but honestly - I'm not interested.
It begins on Sorcha and Alan's wedding night. Sorcha is a fairly young (23) woman by today's standards but would be considered on her way to being mature back then. Sorcha has a big secret and its eating her alive. When she lived with her father, the factor for Lord Camdonn, she had an affair and lost her virginity to Cam (Lord Camdonn). The affair has been over for months and now she sits in fear on her wedding night knowing her husband Alan is not only expecting but wanting a virgin bride. In all fairness to Sorcha, she's a rather immature 23 and Cam is several years and vastly more of the world. Cam should have known he was ruining her because an Earl could never marry a lowly Factor's daughter. To Sorcha's credit, she has made the decision to make this marriage to her stranger husband work, and to always be honest with him - AFTER she pretends herself through a "virgin wedding night".
Cam has decided he cannot live without Sorcha, but waits until its too late. Sorcha is married. So being the arrogant Lord of the realm that he is, he kidnaps her on her wedding night, literally from the marriage bed. He injures Alan and spirits Sorcha away to his home several miles away. Cam has no intention of marrying her, he just wants her. The fact that Alan is his best friend pains him, but Cam rationalizes his way into making the kidnapping acceptable to himself. Sorcha fights him and ends up spending the night - alone - but the damage has been done.
Alan is Laird of his small northern Scottish clan. He's returned from England where he originally met and became best friends with Cam in boarding school. He and Cam have a long history of debauchery and "sinning" their way through England but now he's home and has decided its time to retire his old ways and marry and lead his clan. His ideal wife is an untouched virgin bride. Thinking he's gotten this with Sorcha, he enjoys a somewhat wanton wedding night believing Sorcha is just a "natural". He's enraged when his "friend" Cam steals his wife away only hours later. Following them to Cam's home, he attempts to rescue her only to be injured and knocked out. Cam's men take him back to his small home where Sorcha's family find him and the truth of Sorcha's "secret" unwittingly comes to light while discussing what happened.
There is quite a bit of emotional drama for all characters. I never warmed up to Cam, even after he made every attempt to redeem himself and make things right between Alan and Sorcha. Alan himself was no prize - he couldn't equate his feelings for Sorcha with what happened before and right after the marriage and his way of dealing with it was to be cold and unfeeling toward Sorcha, even after she escaped from Cam's house and made her way on foot, injured, back to him. (She was injured trying to escape) Sorcha I felt was genuinely apologetic but she was a milquetoast. While I realize things were far different then for men and women, Sorcha let Alan treat her like dirt and literally groveled at his feet for forgiveness, when she was probably the only one who hadn't actually done any wrongdoing (after the marriage). I didn't want to like her but I did - even though she was "in the wrong" to not tell Alan of her virginity before the marriage, she acted with complete and total honesty in every single conversation they had. She groveled at Alan's feet when I would have just packed up and left his broody self to his own devices. And she was genuinely remorseful and realized that Cam had taken advantage of her.
There's a scene towards the end - the crux of the story - that I didn't like. Alan conceived it, Cam went along with it and Sorcha didn't say "no". All three were in the wrong and it only seemed to make an already explosive situation that much more volatile.
In the end, I'd give this a 2.5 stars. There seems to be a sequel to the book but honestly - I'm not interested.
June 7, 2009
There are not enough words in the English language to describe this book. I'll keep it simple: I LOVED it! Easily one of my favorite books I've read this year! Highland Obsession had everything-- passion, lust, love, and even a bit of action.
And boy, was the sex hot, hot hot! Warning: if you are not into explicit love scenes and threesomes, then tread carefully while reading this book, because it's full of it! I personally didn't mind it, and in fact I found myself enjoying it, even though I'm not usually one for a romance novel with multiple partners in the bed at one time. But in HO, it was handled wonderfully, and instead of reading like a cheap porn (which some authors, unfortunately, end up doing), it still had all the great components of a true romance.
And it's all thanks to Dawn Halliday's amazing writing skills-- the characters were very well developed, and they connected, not only during the sex (no pun intended, of course!), but also during every day conversations. They worked through their problems, of which there were a few along the way, they didn't just let it go and then suddenly "make up" a few days later with sex.
Even though I knew from the very beginning that Cam wasn't meant for Sorcha, despite the fact that they'd had a great friendship...and later became lovers, I realized that what they had was important for the development of the rest of the book. They cared for each other, of course, and the passion was there, but they were meant for someone else. Because they already had that deep connection, it didn't bother me when Alex (Cam's best friend) decide to share Sorcha one night. I knew that even though all three of them weren't going to be together, it still meant something-- to all of them, in a way. Alex and Cam had been friends for so long, they were practically like brothers. And even though Sorcha was Alex's, Cam was a part of her past, and to a point, her future, even if it would only be as friends. That's what made this whole story so good-- because Dawn knows how to show the different kinds of loves, and how trust is really needed in a relationship.
As for the rest of the story...well, it was pretty good as well! I would hate to give too much away, so I won't go into specifics, but let me assure you-- if you love a good historical romance, and you don't mind the erotic undertones, Highland Obsession should be at the top of your list for this year! Halliday has captured my attention as an author, and now whenever I see her name on a book, it's instantly going into my cart! They say that you can only get better with practice....well, HO was already pretty close to being a perfect read, so I can just imagine how good her future books will be! One thing's for sure...I can't wait until Cam's story, but I just wish I didn't have to wait so long (2010!).
5/5 STARS! Utterly delightful, sexy, and romantic, Highland Obsession is only the beginning of what I'm sure will be a great little series. And be sure to look out for more of Halliday's books, published by Ellora's Cave, along with the wicked historicals written under her real name, Jennifer Haymore (A Hint of Wicked is out now!).
And boy, was the sex hot, hot hot! Warning: if you are not into explicit love scenes and threesomes, then tread carefully while reading this book, because it's full of it! I personally didn't mind it, and in fact I found myself enjoying it, even though I'm not usually one for a romance novel with multiple partners in the bed at one time. But in HO, it was handled wonderfully, and instead of reading like a cheap porn (which some authors, unfortunately, end up doing), it still had all the great components of a true romance.
And it's all thanks to Dawn Halliday's amazing writing skills-- the characters were very well developed, and they connected, not only during the sex (no pun intended, of course!), but also during every day conversations. They worked through their problems, of which there were a few along the way, they didn't just let it go and then suddenly "make up" a few days later with sex.
Even though I knew from the very beginning that Cam wasn't meant for Sorcha, despite the fact that they'd had a great friendship...and later became lovers, I realized that what they had was important for the development of the rest of the book. They cared for each other, of course, and the passion was there, but they were meant for someone else. Because they already had that deep connection, it didn't bother me when Alex (Cam's best friend) decide to share Sorcha one night. I knew that even though all three of them weren't going to be together, it still meant something-- to all of them, in a way. Alex and Cam had been friends for so long, they were practically like brothers. And even though Sorcha was Alex's, Cam was a part of her past, and to a point, her future, even if it would only be as friends. That's what made this whole story so good-- because Dawn knows how to show the different kinds of loves, and how trust is really needed in a relationship.
As for the rest of the story...well, it was pretty good as well! I would hate to give too much away, so I won't go into specifics, but let me assure you-- if you love a good historical romance, and you don't mind the erotic undertones, Highland Obsession should be at the top of your list for this year! Halliday has captured my attention as an author, and now whenever I see her name on a book, it's instantly going into my cart! They say that you can only get better with practice....well, HO was already pretty close to being a perfect read, so I can just imagine how good her future books will be! One thing's for sure...I can't wait until Cam's story, but I just wish I didn't have to wait so long (2010!).
5/5 STARS! Utterly delightful, sexy, and romantic, Highland Obsession is only the beginning of what I'm sure will be a great little series. And be sure to look out for more of Halliday's books, published by Ellora's Cave, along with the wicked historicals written under her real name, Jennifer Haymore (A Hint of Wicked is out now!).
February 25, 2010
Highland Obsession
3 1/2 stars
This is such a difficult book for me to rate because I always want my definitive HEA. So, while I did like the book, there is a love triangle and that involves so much angst and so many painful emotions that my HEA (sort of) is very bittersweet.
I did find the love scenes to be pretty explicit and sensual and very well done, which I liked, but what I missed was feeling any real feelings between either Cam and Sorcha, or Allen and Sorcha. I did feel they desired each other, but it was missing that buildup of chemistry and fire, and that intensity that leaves you breathless. I guess I just wanted a little more sparks between the H/H to make their love more believable.
That being said I still found the book interesting and it held my attention enough that I am still interested in reading Cam’s story. He was pretty immature and had a lot of growing to do in this story, so I’m hoping he matures and becomes a man worthy of his position and gains the respect of his clan. I want him to get his HEA.
3 1/2 stars
This is such a difficult book for me to rate because I always want my definitive HEA. So, while I did like the book, there is a love triangle and that involves so much angst and so many painful emotions that my HEA (sort of) is very bittersweet.
I did find the love scenes to be pretty explicit and sensual and very well done, which I liked, but what I missed was feeling any real feelings between either Cam and Sorcha, or Allen and Sorcha. I did feel they desired each other, but it was missing that buildup of chemistry and fire, and that intensity that leaves you breathless. I guess I just wanted a little more sparks between the H/H to make their love more believable.
That being said I still found the book interesting and it held my attention enough that I am still interested in reading Cam’s story. He was pretty immature and had a lot of growing to do in this story, so I’m hoping he matures and becomes a man worthy of his position and gains the respect of his clan. I want him to get his HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2010
Oh, I do love my highlanders! Highlanders were everywhere when I was reading just romance, but when I started venturing into erotica I’ve had a hard time finding them. So when I came across this one I was pretty excited. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up liking it as much as I thought I would.
I really felt for Alan and Sorcha, betrayed as they were by Cam. I was so wanting them to work things out and have their HEA, I loved both of them and really felt their pain, but I was really disappointed in Alan and his set up/handling of the ménage with Cam. That wasn’t cool.
And Cam. Cam was just spoiled. I can stand a guy who throws a temper tantrum. He felt like a child stomping his feet to get what he wants. I mean really guy…man up a little. I just could not relate to him.
The book was good, it was well written, well developed, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
I really felt for Alan and Sorcha, betrayed as they were by Cam. I was so wanting them to work things out and have their HEA, I loved both of them and really felt their pain, but I was really disappointed in Alan and his set up/handling of the ménage with Cam. That wasn’t cool.
And Cam. Cam was just spoiled. I can stand a guy who throws a temper tantrum. He felt like a child stomping his feet to get what he wants. I mean really guy…man up a little. I just could not relate to him.
The book was good, it was well written, well developed, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
July 27, 2011
I haven’t had such an up-and-down, love/hate ride with a book in the longest time that I had with this one! My reactions covered anger, disbelief, are you kidding me, and forgiveness. And that was all for the author. My reactions and emotions concerning the characters and storyline came later.
I’m a huge Highlander fan. I love reading Scottish historicals and those big, handsome, alpha Highlanders are my favorite heroes. Therefore, when Cam, the Earl of Camdonn, reveals his obsession with the heroine, Sorcha, and acts on that obsession by kidnapping her on her wedding night, well, suffice it to say I was not a happy reader. On top of that, come to find out the groom on this wedding night, Alan, the MacDonald laird, is Cam’s best friend. Double whammy in the honor department for Cam for being a jerk. Which I didn’t like. Cam is a good guy, an honorable Highlander. I take my Highlanders very seriously. A little anger at this point.
Sorcha and Cam did have a thing going on before Alan came back from England to take his rightful place as laird, but it was all over with by the time Alan asked for her hand. She doesn’t tell Alan about her past with Cam, however; even fakes being a virgin on their wedding night because she takes her vows seriously and is intent on making a good wife for Alan. So she doesn’t want him to know she’s not as innocent as he’s expecting, though she also hates lying to him. But all goes well between them. Until Cam bursts through the door. Now disbelief sets in.
I do like Sorcha very much. She sticks to her guns, tells Cam there’s no way there can be anything between them now that she’s married, though she still does have feelings for him. She tries to escape him to return to her husband, but Cam locks her in his bedchamber, hoping she’ll eventually capitulate. But while in his cups, he allows the opportunity for Sorcha to finally escape and she makes her way back to Alan, who, of course, has been dishonored though she tells him nothing happened between her and Cam. How can he ever believe her again since he’s found out she lied about being a virgin. But he doesn’t toss her out as most men would have done. Cam, however, is now thinking of taking Sorcha again when he discovers her gone. Are you kidding me?
In between all of this, the clans are readying for war, which both Alan and Cam want to stay out of as long as possible. To regain his honor, Alan challenges Cam to a duel, hating the fact it’s come to this with the man who’s been like a brother to him for two decades. It’s about this time that Cam comes to his senses and realizes what he’s done to his best friend and to the woman he would also like to call a friend. He accepts Alan’s challenge and is the one who ends up injured in a mishap during the duel. Alan never wanted to kill Cam, he wanted just enough blood to reclaim his honor. Thinking he’s dying, Cam asks for forgiveness from them both and receives it without question. He got the same from me.
I couldn’t believe the ups and downs as far as emotion in this book, which, of course, is the point the author wants when writing and putting her soul out there for the world to see. I’m very glad Ms. Halliday gave honor back to my Highlander in this book. Yes, he was a jerk at one point, but he redeems himself quite nicely. There’s still plenty that goes on after all of this, most notably a test that Alan puts both Sorcha and Cam through, which they fail miserably. But they all own up to it and make peace the only way they can. Next up is Cam’s book and I have a feeling it’s going to be just as bumpy a ride as this one is.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
I’m a huge Highlander fan. I love reading Scottish historicals and those big, handsome, alpha Highlanders are my favorite heroes. Therefore, when Cam, the Earl of Camdonn, reveals his obsession with the heroine, Sorcha, and acts on that obsession by kidnapping her on her wedding night, well, suffice it to say I was not a happy reader. On top of that, come to find out the groom on this wedding night, Alan, the MacDonald laird, is Cam’s best friend. Double whammy in the honor department for Cam for being a jerk. Which I didn’t like. Cam is a good guy, an honorable Highlander. I take my Highlanders very seriously. A little anger at this point.
Sorcha and Cam did have a thing going on before Alan came back from England to take his rightful place as laird, but it was all over with by the time Alan asked for her hand. She doesn’t tell Alan about her past with Cam, however; even fakes being a virgin on their wedding night because she takes her vows seriously and is intent on making a good wife for Alan. So she doesn’t want him to know she’s not as innocent as he’s expecting, though she also hates lying to him. But all goes well between them. Until Cam bursts through the door. Now disbelief sets in.
I do like Sorcha very much. She sticks to her guns, tells Cam there’s no way there can be anything between them now that she’s married, though she still does have feelings for him. She tries to escape him to return to her husband, but Cam locks her in his bedchamber, hoping she’ll eventually capitulate. But while in his cups, he allows the opportunity for Sorcha to finally escape and she makes her way back to Alan, who, of course, has been dishonored though she tells him nothing happened between her and Cam. How can he ever believe her again since he’s found out she lied about being a virgin. But he doesn’t toss her out as most men would have done. Cam, however, is now thinking of taking Sorcha again when he discovers her gone. Are you kidding me?
In between all of this, the clans are readying for war, which both Alan and Cam want to stay out of as long as possible. To regain his honor, Alan challenges Cam to a duel, hating the fact it’s come to this with the man who’s been like a brother to him for two decades. It’s about this time that Cam comes to his senses and realizes what he’s done to his best friend and to the woman he would also like to call a friend. He accepts Alan’s challenge and is the one who ends up injured in a mishap during the duel. Alan never wanted to kill Cam, he wanted just enough blood to reclaim his honor. Thinking he’s dying, Cam asks for forgiveness from them both and receives it without question. He got the same from me.
I couldn’t believe the ups and downs as far as emotion in this book, which, of course, is the point the author wants when writing and putting her soul out there for the world to see. I’m very glad Ms. Halliday gave honor back to my Highlander in this book. Yes, he was a jerk at one point, but he redeems himself quite nicely. There’s still plenty that goes on after all of this, most notably a test that Alan puts both Sorcha and Cam through, which they fail miserably. But they all own up to it and make peace the only way they can. Next up is Cam’s book and I have a feeling it’s going to be just as bumpy a ride as this one is.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
July 15, 2010
4.25 stars
When Dawn Halliday asked if there were reviewers interested in reviewing the upcoming anthology she contributed to, I didn’t hesitate. However, after some emails back and forth we decided I’d review HIGHLAND OBSESSION instead. This has to do with my reading-in-order obsession but I have bored you enough with that in other reviews so I’m not going there in this one. The scorching first chapter of HIGHLAND OBSESSION immediately set the tone for me and I knew I was in for a steamy and emotionally complicated read. My expectations were thoroughly met after that first chapter because Dawn Halliday delivered an emotional and heartbreaking love story against the backdrop of Highland political turmoil, a background that added to the already emotional tension between the main characters of the story.
As I don’t want to spoil the main storyline and important stuff of the book I will not say too much about it but for me it was a beautiful story with a good resolution. I’ve read my fair share of ménage and permanent threesome stories and some were good, some were of lesser quality, some were emotionally detached, some were very intense. HIGHLAND OBSESSION belongs to the good and intense ones. It is well written, fast-paced and engaging. The three main players are distinct personalities with their passionate and fiery nature in common. This makes for a story of passion, betrayal, trust, friendship and love with great chemistry and synergy and emotional, explosive interactions.
I totally fell for the way Alan fought for his wife and showed his resentment towards Cam. Alan is kind, honorable and humble, but that is to a certain extent. Cross him and you will suffer the consequences. He will fight for what he perceives as his with determination and charm. Cam on the other hand struck me as rough and unpolished at times. Dark, brooding and stubborn, he is used to getting what he wants and can be quite arrogant. There were times I actually didn’t like him in the way he was convinced Sorcha belonged with him. In the end, I did however sympathize as I saw why he hides his compassion and tenderness behind his hard-headedness and that he wasn’t out to hurt Alan and Sorcha intentionally. With the battle between Alan and Cam for Sorcha’s love and affection, at first I was afraid she was going to be overshadowed by the men. But my fear was unfounded, bit-by-bit her determination and strength came out and I admired her for standing her ground with both Alan and Cam and fighting for her happiness. When she accepted her feelings, she showed her true smart-mouthed, quick-witted and stubborn self.
This highly erotic historical romance is definitely not conventional and for me that sealed the deal. As I said I have read several stories with this topic, mostly in contemporary settings, but this one was brought in a wonderful combination of history, emotions and characters. Dawn Halliday has a way of enthralling with the imagery in her writing and combined with the strong emotional dilemmas, this book totally worked for me. I will definitely be on the lookout for the sequel, HIGHLAND SURRENDER (coming April 2010), because with HIGHLAND OBSESSION Dawn Halliday gave me an enticing read that has me wanting more.
When Dawn Halliday asked if there were reviewers interested in reviewing the upcoming anthology she contributed to, I didn’t hesitate. However, after some emails back and forth we decided I’d review HIGHLAND OBSESSION instead. This has to do with my reading-in-order obsession but I have bored you enough with that in other reviews so I’m not going there in this one. The scorching first chapter of HIGHLAND OBSESSION immediately set the tone for me and I knew I was in for a steamy and emotionally complicated read. My expectations were thoroughly met after that first chapter because Dawn Halliday delivered an emotional and heartbreaking love story against the backdrop of Highland political turmoil, a background that added to the already emotional tension between the main characters of the story.
As I don’t want to spoil the main storyline and important stuff of the book I will not say too much about it but for me it was a beautiful story with a good resolution. I’ve read my fair share of ménage and permanent threesome stories and some were good, some were of lesser quality, some were emotionally detached, some were very intense. HIGHLAND OBSESSION belongs to the good and intense ones. It is well written, fast-paced and engaging. The three main players are distinct personalities with their passionate and fiery nature in common. This makes for a story of passion, betrayal, trust, friendship and love with great chemistry and synergy and emotional, explosive interactions.
I totally fell for the way Alan fought for his wife and showed his resentment towards Cam. Alan is kind, honorable and humble, but that is to a certain extent. Cross him and you will suffer the consequences. He will fight for what he perceives as his with determination and charm. Cam on the other hand struck me as rough and unpolished at times. Dark, brooding and stubborn, he is used to getting what he wants and can be quite arrogant. There were times I actually didn’t like him in the way he was convinced Sorcha belonged with him. In the end, I did however sympathize as I saw why he hides his compassion and tenderness behind his hard-headedness and that he wasn’t out to hurt Alan and Sorcha intentionally. With the battle between Alan and Cam for Sorcha’s love and affection, at first I was afraid she was going to be overshadowed by the men. But my fear was unfounded, bit-by-bit her determination and strength came out and I admired her for standing her ground with both Alan and Cam and fighting for her happiness. When she accepted her feelings, she showed her true smart-mouthed, quick-witted and stubborn self.
This highly erotic historical romance is definitely not conventional and for me that sealed the deal. As I said I have read several stories with this topic, mostly in contemporary settings, but this one was brought in a wonderful combination of history, emotions and characters. Dawn Halliday has a way of enthralling with the imagery in her writing and combined with the strong emotional dilemmas, this book totally worked for me. I will definitely be on the lookout for the sequel, HIGHLAND SURRENDER (coming April 2010), because with HIGHLAND OBSESSION Dawn Halliday gave me an enticing read that has me wanting more.
August 4, 2009
Highland Obsession by Dawn Halliday (Paperback - Aug 4, 2009)
4 ½ stars
Highland Obsession is wonderful, sensual read that had me hooked from the very first page. The main characters are attractive and sympathetic. I especially loved the main hero! He is one of the noblest heroes I have read in a while. He fired my imagination and my heart rate!
Sorcha is a lovely highland lass who is caught between duty and her wild heart. Her marriage has been arranged by her father to laird Alan Mac Donald. She pledges to honor her father and do her duty. However, she secretly had a fling with Cam, the dashing and philandering Earl of Camdonn. But she is determined to put her impetuous past firmly behind her. Sorcha intends to hide her indiscretion from her new husband and only give him her loyalty and fidelity.
But Sorcha is unaware that the earl cannot forget her sweet charms. After her wedding, Cam realizes too late Sorcha's importance in his life. He is tormented and vows to have her back. So he watches and waits. After spying a very heated interlude with her gentle and noble husband he violently crashes their door and kidnaps a very naked Sorcha. Cam takes her to his to his castle where he plans to claim her as his own. But to Cam’s frustration he soon realizes that Sorcha will not forsake her vows of fidelity, even as he tries mightily to ply her with his numerous sensual skills!
Meanwhile, her new husband is enraged; he thought Cam was his best friend. Alan feels betrayed and angered by Cam’s reckless actions. Alan intends to hunt his bride, rescue her and seek revenge on his former friend. However, Alan soon hears hints of Sorcha’s indiscretion, giving him pause as he considers her deceit. Alan had demanded and expected a virgin bride. Determined to get her back as honor demands he no longer knows how he feels for his new bride.
But Sorcha takes matters into her own hands and escapes Cam only to find a distant and cold husband confronting her with the truth…
This was thrilling book from start to finish, what woman wouldn’t want 2 sexy highlander men after her?! As Sorcha is caught between the 2 men and their complicated friendship, competition between the 2 drives the stakes higher. The scenes where each man seduces or tries to seduce Sorcha were scorching! Both these men were fantastic alphas that I enjoyed reading. I found Cam charming and seductive and Alan positively sinful! Who will she choose? You will have to read it to find out! I also liked how the author brought up the old double standard. Men can have other women and are praised but Sorcha’s indiscretion is vilified and she is expected to be penitent. Will her husband forgive her? Why does she have to be forgiven?
This was an extremely enjoyable read that was very erotic (WARNING: ménage scene) and sensual. This story was a sheer delight and dazzled all my senses. Dawn Halliday is an extraordinary author to watch out for. She has definitely found a new fan!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
4 ½ stars
Highland Obsession is wonderful, sensual read that had me hooked from the very first page. The main characters are attractive and sympathetic. I especially loved the main hero! He is one of the noblest heroes I have read in a while. He fired my imagination and my heart rate!
Sorcha is a lovely highland lass who is caught between duty and her wild heart. Her marriage has been arranged by her father to laird Alan Mac Donald. She pledges to honor her father and do her duty. However, she secretly had a fling with Cam, the dashing and philandering Earl of Camdonn. But she is determined to put her impetuous past firmly behind her. Sorcha intends to hide her indiscretion from her new husband and only give him her loyalty and fidelity.
But Sorcha is unaware that the earl cannot forget her sweet charms. After her wedding, Cam realizes too late Sorcha's importance in his life. He is tormented and vows to have her back. So he watches and waits. After spying a very heated interlude with her gentle and noble husband he violently crashes their door and kidnaps a very naked Sorcha. Cam takes her to his to his castle where he plans to claim her as his own. But to Cam’s frustration he soon realizes that Sorcha will not forsake her vows of fidelity, even as he tries mightily to ply her with his numerous sensual skills!
Meanwhile, her new husband is enraged; he thought Cam was his best friend. Alan feels betrayed and angered by Cam’s reckless actions. Alan intends to hunt his bride, rescue her and seek revenge on his former friend. However, Alan soon hears hints of Sorcha’s indiscretion, giving him pause as he considers her deceit. Alan had demanded and expected a virgin bride. Determined to get her back as honor demands he no longer knows how he feels for his new bride.
But Sorcha takes matters into her own hands and escapes Cam only to find a distant and cold husband confronting her with the truth…
This was thrilling book from start to finish, what woman wouldn’t want 2 sexy highlander men after her?! As Sorcha is caught between the 2 men and their complicated friendship, competition between the 2 drives the stakes higher. The scenes where each man seduces or tries to seduce Sorcha were scorching! Both these men were fantastic alphas that I enjoyed reading. I found Cam charming and seductive and Alan positively sinful! Who will she choose? You will have to read it to find out! I also liked how the author brought up the old double standard. Men can have other women and are praised but Sorcha’s indiscretion is vilified and she is expected to be penitent. Will her husband forgive her? Why does she have to be forgiven?
This was an extremely enjoyable read that was very erotic (WARNING: ménage scene) and sensual. This story was a sheer delight and dazzled all my senses. Dawn Halliday is an extraordinary author to watch out for. She has definitely found a new fan!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
May 24, 2012
Sorcha Stewart had given herself to the Earl of Camdonn, Cam, but he never pursued anything legitimate w/ her. She was more of his mistress and her father was afraid that things were leading that way b/w the two of them. So of course he makes a contract w/ Alan MacDonald who seemed to have fallen in love w/ Sorcha at first sight. Alan believes that Sorcha is a virgin and she goes along w/ it on their wedding night. However, Cam knows that she is not and he is watching through the window…yep it’s that kind of story! Now he wants her back and he is willing to lose a long term f/s for this lady. Did he say he would make her his lady wife? I don’t think so, but he sure does enjoy bed sport w/ her even though the first time wasn’t in a bed.
This really was one of those books and it wasn’t too bad either, but it was full of angst. Couldn’t believe that Cam was willing to sacrifice his f/s for Sorcha when he could have had her to begin w/ but he sat on his thumbs too long and did nothing. Now she belongs to another and he thinks it is okay to kidnap her never mind what it does to her r/s w/ her hubby as well as in their home. I didn’t mind the angst, but I didn’t like that Alan thought he had the right to know about her first time. I didn’t hear Sorcha demanding the details of his first time and apparently all the other times he had been w/ women. That was crossing the line for him. Sure he had the right to be angry that he thought she was pure, but he wasn’t, yet to feel as though she cheated on him….no because they weren’t even together at the time.
Cam tells Sorcha about some of the things that he and Alan had gotten up too and even the fact that they had shared women before. Sorcha seems interested in this as she still lusts after Cam, but he quickly disabuses her of this idea saying that Alan would NEVER share a woman that he cares about. I think you know where this is going. At any rate when it gets there I am very, VERY disappointed in Alan for using that old excuse. ‘Twas the drink that did it, you knew I was drunk and didn’t mean any of it!! He seemed thoroughly in it too me and even wanted it as well. She completely agreed that he wanted it but now he wants to use that excuse…bad form Alan!! Bad form!! Then of course he feels bad and runs off to war, is almost killed, but saved by the man he feels his wife loves who came to tell him that she loves him, Alan, not Cam.
Decent erotic read, probably spot on for the times too, huh? LOL! But Alan did irritate me sometimes and it felt like he was playing a dangerous game w/ those other two just for his own selfishness. He was the one that was inviting a lot of his own pain because even though Sorcha still had some lust for Cam I don’t believe she would have EVER gone down that path unless she was encouraged by Alan. Once she believes she has the go ahead from him he quickly pulls the drunkard card!!
This really was one of those books and it wasn’t too bad either, but it was full of angst. Couldn’t believe that Cam was willing to sacrifice his f/s for Sorcha when he could have had her to begin w/ but he sat on his thumbs too long and did nothing. Now she belongs to another and he thinks it is okay to kidnap her never mind what it does to her r/s w/ her hubby as well as in their home. I didn’t mind the angst, but I didn’t like that Alan thought he had the right to know about her first time. I didn’t hear Sorcha demanding the details of his first time and apparently all the other times he had been w/ women. That was crossing the line for him. Sure he had the right to be angry that he thought she was pure, but he wasn’t, yet to feel as though she cheated on him….no because they weren’t even together at the time.
Cam tells Sorcha about some of the things that he and Alan had gotten up too and even the fact that they had shared women before. Sorcha seems interested in this as she still lusts after Cam, but he quickly disabuses her of this idea saying that Alan would NEVER share a woman that he cares about. I think you know where this is going. At any rate when it gets there I am very, VERY disappointed in Alan for using that old excuse. ‘Twas the drink that did it, you knew I was drunk and didn’t mean any of it!! He seemed thoroughly in it too me and even wanted it as well. She completely agreed that he wanted it but now he wants to use that excuse…bad form Alan!! Bad form!! Then of course he feels bad and runs off to war, is almost killed, but saved by the man he feels his wife loves who came to tell him that she loves him, Alan, not Cam.
Decent erotic read, probably spot on for the times too, huh? LOL! But Alan did irritate me sometimes and it felt like he was playing a dangerous game w/ those other two just for his own selfishness. He was the one that was inviting a lot of his own pain because even though Sorcha still had some lust for Cam I don’t believe she would have EVER gone down that path unless she was encouraged by Alan. Once she believes she has the go ahead from him he quickly pulls the drunkard card!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2012
I accidentally requested this book from the library, thinking it was by Monica McCarty, whose Highlander books I love. MISTAKE! Monica gave a glowing review to this book, but why, I don't know.
The "story" is a thin plot that revolves around sex scenes - mostly unimaginative and very repetitious. Everyone gets busy with everyone, even more than one partner at a time...
The only character with any real depth is a whore, Grainne! The Hero seems more like the Villain most of the time. The Heroine seems too put-upon and wide-eyed, trying too hard to please her new husband. The Villain, if he can be called that, is simply a randy earl and friend of the Hero. And they were the type of friends who shared their sexual conquests in the past. So is it any wonder that the Villain, who previously bedded and took the Heroine's virginity, thinks that the Heroine belongs to him, despite the fact that she just married the Hero, his best friend?
This confusing book really isn't for thinking. It's only for titillation, and IMO, doesn't do a good job of even that. I realize romance books often tow the line between vulgar and tasteful in the sex scenes between Hero and Heroine. But this book doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a full-blown sex feast, and not in a good way (if there is such a thing). I hesitate to even shelf it as a romance.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against steam. I'm simply against raw, vulgar sex for sex's sake. This isn't a story or a romance, it's a porn film on paper with about as much depth and story.
The "story" is a thin plot that revolves around sex scenes - mostly unimaginative and very repetitious. Everyone gets busy with everyone, even more than one partner at a time...
The only character with any real depth is a whore, Grainne! The Hero seems more like the Villain most of the time. The Heroine seems too put-upon and wide-eyed, trying too hard to please her new husband. The Villain, if he can be called that, is simply a randy earl and friend of the Hero. And they were the type of friends who shared their sexual conquests in the past. So is it any wonder that the Villain, who previously bedded and took the Heroine's virginity, thinks that the Heroine belongs to him, despite the fact that she just married the Hero, his best friend?
This confusing book really isn't for thinking. It's only for titillation, and IMO, doesn't do a good job of even that. I realize romance books often tow the line between vulgar and tasteful in the sex scenes between Hero and Heroine. But this book doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a full-blown sex feast, and not in a good way (if there is such a thing). I hesitate to even shelf it as a romance.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against steam. I'm simply against raw, vulgar sex for sex's sake. This isn't a story or a romance, it's a porn film on paper with about as much depth and story.
June 10, 2010
Alan MacDonald is Laird to the small village of Glenfinnan. He comes home after growing up in England to take a wife. He chooses Sorcha Stewart. Sorcha hides a secret from Alan in that she was first lovers with the Earl of Camdonn, Alan's good friend. Alan and Sorcha are wed and on their wedding night Cam kidnaps Sorcha after he realizes his feelings run deeper than a casual affair. Cam, Alan and Sorcha are tangled up in a web of deceit and will need to be honest with each other if they are to untangle it.
I was disappointed with Highland Obsession. The characters were flat and undeveloped. The situation between Alan and Sorcha, Sorcha and Cam and Cam and Alan could have been very intense, instead it was bland. Especially, the first half of the story because Alan withdraws both emotionally and physically from the situation and the action can't move forward until Alan is willing to confront both Cam and Sorcha. He finally does in the second half of the book and that is when the book does pick up.
Overall, my impression is not a good one. If this story would have been a little more even in it's pacing and I had been more emotionally drawn to the characters it would have been a better reading experience. On a positive note, at least the book was short.
I was disappointed with Highland Obsession. The characters were flat and undeveloped. The situation between Alan and Sorcha, Sorcha and Cam and Cam and Alan could have been very intense, instead it was bland. Especially, the first half of the story because Alan withdraws both emotionally and physically from the situation and the action can't move forward until Alan is willing to confront both Cam and Sorcha. He finally does in the second half of the book and that is when the book does pick up.
Overall, my impression is not a good one. If this story would have been a little more even in it's pacing and I had been more emotionally drawn to the characters it would have been a better reading experience. On a positive note, at least the book was short.
April 22, 2012
I have had this one on my bookshelf for awhile. I love when I find little gems hidden away. I also love when I expect nothing and get more.
Alan marries Sorcha and on their wedding night she is kidnapped by his best friend Cam. Taken away to his lands. Alan has no idea what's happening but he chases after them and tries his best to save her. Cam just wants Sorcha. He finds himself in love with her and even though their elicit affair ended months before he can't seem to forget her. Sorcha a married woman now wants nothing to do with Cam. Even though she may have loved him once she would never dishonor her husband. When Alan finds out his wife was with another man before their marriage and to make matters worse it was his best friend he's not sure what to do. He's been betrayed and not sure if he can forgive her.
There was so much going on in this one. Definitely a love triangle of the worst kind. I wasn't sure who to root for in the beginning. I felt for both men. First Cam and then Alan. There was some serious erotic moments that were steamy hot. I loved it. I felt a connection with each of the characters. They were all well developed and really made the story that much better. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
Alan marries Sorcha and on their wedding night she is kidnapped by his best friend Cam. Taken away to his lands. Alan has no idea what's happening but he chases after them and tries his best to save her. Cam just wants Sorcha. He finds himself in love with her and even though their elicit affair ended months before he can't seem to forget her. Sorcha a married woman now wants nothing to do with Cam. Even though she may have loved him once she would never dishonor her husband. When Alan finds out his wife was with another man before their marriage and to make matters worse it was his best friend he's not sure what to do. He's been betrayed and not sure if he can forgive her.
There was so much going on in this one. Definitely a love triangle of the worst kind. I wasn't sure who to root for in the beginning. I felt for both men. First Cam and then Alan. There was some serious erotic moments that were steamy hot. I loved it. I felt a connection with each of the characters. They were all well developed and really made the story that much better. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
March 6, 2013
Just W.O.W.......
I was soooooo bored reading this book, yet it was an easy read. That means that I was able to skip every other paragraph and not lose anything in the story. And what a story it was! It wasn't dumb by any means, but Sweet Mother of Pearl, Adam and Cam were! Good Lord, but they were just annoying! I honestly thought while reading the first chapter that the book was truly going to be "wickedly erotic-a scorching page turner" but NOT! Cam was ridiculous whinny and stupid and Alan was just plain dumb. The premise of the story itself had fantastic potential, but holy crap these guys were B.O.R.I.N.G.!!!!!
I am torn between just plunging right into Highland Surrender and getting it over with (like ripping a band-aid off) or letting the book gather dust until I forget how much I dislike Cam!
Just to be CLEAR ~~~~ I highly DO NOT recommend this book!
I was soooooo bored reading this book, yet it was an easy read. That means that I was able to skip every other paragraph and not lose anything in the story. And what a story it was! It wasn't dumb by any means, but Sweet Mother of Pearl, Adam and Cam were! Good Lord, but they were just annoying! I honestly thought while reading the first chapter that the book was truly going to be "wickedly erotic-a scorching page turner" but NOT! Cam was ridiculous whinny and stupid and Alan was just plain dumb. The premise of the story itself had fantastic potential, but holy crap these guys were B.O.R.I.N.G.!!!!!
I am torn between just plunging right into Highland Surrender and getting it over with (like ripping a band-aid off) or letting the book gather dust until I forget how much I dislike Cam!
Just to be CLEAR ~~~~ I highly DO NOT recommend this book!
April 18, 2011
I have been looking for an erotic highlander book for a while now and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. I thought this book was pretty good and the closest I've gotten to an erotic highlander book but it wasn't great. While this book had a good amount of sex and an ok story line, I felt like it was missing that intensity that would make it a really good book. If anyone has any suggestions, I open to ideas!!!
January 14, 2011
I wanted to love the book but didn't. I think we all buy with our eyes 1st and I was hoping for hot, sinful highlander action. Instead what you get is a brooding, insecure highlander who spends the entire book debating his thought and feelings for his young wife.
Note: Well this sucks I hit the wrong key and lost my whole review, will come back to finish later
Note: Well this sucks I hit the wrong key and lost my whole review, will come back to finish later
August 9, 2009
Deliciously angsty and totally hot. Dawn Halliday excels at love triangles, and this story of a young highland woman caught between two Alpha heroes is another intense and satisfying exploration of the complexities of loyalty, love, and desire. A fast-paced, emotional, and very steamy read.
September 6, 2009
I was in a mood for a book like this when I started reading it. Highland Obsession to me was an easy HOT read and I truely enjoyed it. I really liked both H&H in this book. I thought the story was good too. I will be waiting to get the next book in this series Highland Surrender in April 2010.
March 19, 2011
Just your average steamy bodice-ripper, set in the highlands of Scotland. Only really remarkable part of the book is the threesome, really. XD But I like silly romance novels, so I figure it was worth the couple bucks.
September 10, 2015
All I can is "wow", this was one hot and steamy highlander romance!
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2009/10/h...
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2009/10/h...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2009
3.75 out of 5
August 19, 2009
2.5 Stars
December 10, 2010
Loved the book, but than after reading Diana Gabaldon I am just obsessed with highlanders.
September 13, 2016
There's a reason it was in the bargain book bin.
July 8, 2012
fast read and I loved it. My first Dawn Halliday book. I missed reading of Highlanders.
June 2, 2015
It could be slow in some spots but it ended up a good story
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews