ANDREW MACALISTER longs for a cure to free him from the excruciating pain caused by an old wound, but when he rescues a drowning woman, he has no idea how much his life is about to change. All Drew knows is that this mysterious woman is hiding secrets-and that he's never felt such a consuming desire before. Yet he cannot deny her request for help, even if it means bringing the detested English army to his Highland clan's home. LEAH NOBLE MCQUARRIE still harbors a deep hatred of the Fae who tortured her eleven years ago, forcing her to escape back in time to the thirteenth century. A descendant of the Fae, Leah denies her heritage and her magical healing abilities. But the English army is holding her beloved adoptive grandfather captive, so Leah must seek help from the Fae-and the captivating man whose touch she craves. Then Drew discovers Leah's secrets, and he's torn between old loyalties and trusting a woman who has the power to give him the future he's sought-but could destroy his clan forever.
Melissa Mayhue lives in Colorado, in the shadow of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, with her family, two insanely spoiled dogs, one domineering cat, a turtle with an attitude, and way too many fish in their aquarium. If any one thing is obvious about the books I like best, it's that I love my Happy Ever After endings!!
This is actually the 7th book in the Daughters of the Glen series. I had not read the other 6, and although I had heard of Melissa Mayhue (great first name, btw) I had not read a book of hers. It was not necessary to have read the others in this series to enjoy this book. You could jump right in because it is a book that stands alone. You do get a hint that there were back stories to the other ladies of one of the keeps, but it still did not distract from the enjoyment of this story.
I'd have to say honestly that I didn't quite care for Leah at the beginning. I thought her to be a bit spoiled and selfish. Even though it was stated that she went through something horrific in her past to explain her hesitation, but I didn't connect to that until the story progressed. Then, I did find myself liking her especially at the end when she found her courage and finally stood up to people who where trying to control her destiny. In some ways I also felt the same about Andrew. I did like him from the start, but at other times his excuses for lying really ticked me off. However, when he realized what a jerk he had been, it was quite easy to forgive the rogue. Mainly considering he really wasn't a rouge at all.
I give this book 4 stars. It was a delightful PNR. If you just want something light with a good HEA, then I'd say this book is for you. It is predictable, but sometimes that is the charm of a light romance. I'm curious about Ellie (one of the sister's in law from the future) and I think I might seek out her book to read it. She talks to animals, so I'm curious (...although I'm not sure I'd want to know what my dogs want to tell me. I understand too much as it is!). :D
There are some series I’ve gotten behind on reading - Kathryn Smith’s The Brotherhood of the Blood and Christine Warren’s The Others series as examples. There’s others I haven’t started reading yet - Christine Feehan’s Dark Series, which is now too daunting to even contemplate beginning - but there are those series I’ve been able to stay up to date with that I thoroughly enjoy and always look forward to the next book. Melissa Mayhue’s Daughters of the Glen series is one of those. This series has grown from book to book, giving us interesting situations and plot twists for the magical and enchanting characters Ms. Mayhue has created for her readers. And there’s only more of the same to come. I, for one, am looking forward to every last word.
I really like the time travel aspect of this series. Certain characters are aware of the ability to do so, but they don’t use it often, only when absolutely needed. As we saw in the last book, Leah, our heroine here, had been shuttled back into time to live with Robert’s parents to keep her away from the Nuadian Fae, who wanted her for their evil breeding purposes, all due to Leah’s Fae blood.
As we meet up with Leah again, it’s been twelve years since that time and she’s done very well living in Medieval Scottland, having freedom to do as she pleases without fear. She’s been happy, despite having to leave her sister behind. Then with the return of Hugh and Margery MacQuarrie’s oldest son, Richard - the Dick, as Leah likes to call him - all of their lives are about to change - for the worse. With her grandfather imprisoned and no one else able to proffer help, Leah makes use of a hidden tunnel out of the castle to hightail it to Dun Ard, home of the MacKiernan clan, to ask for help. She has all she needs to get there from MacKiernan relatives who are now living in the future, so she heads out, hoping that she makes it before it’s too late for her grandfather.
We’ve also met Andrew MacAlister in previous books - Ms. Mayhue has woven an intricate relationship among all these families of past and present - and Drew became my favorite after he was severely injured while helping rescue his sister years ago, before her foray into the future. He now has to fight pain every day, try to keep his leg muscles as limber as possible to avoid becoming bedridden later in life. He searches constantly for that something or someone who can give him the miracle he needs. On his current sojourn he rescues another young woman fighting for her life in a lake. Hearing her story, he agrees to take her to Dun Ard - without telling her it’s his home. With English soldiers after her, Drew is cautious in what he shares with this lovely and fascinating woman.
Trouble does catch up with them as they take refuge at a nearby priory. Those same Englishmen arrive ahead of Drew and Leah, latching onto them, despite their tale of just getting married and heading to his family’s home. That trouble follows them all the way to Dun Ard where they must truly marry to keep English suspicions at bay. With her life in chaos and Drew discovering her Fae power - a power she hates and has sworn to never use again - they gravitate closer to closer to one another, their attraction growing until they each desire their upcoming nuptials. Once vows are said, however, their new life seems to go all wrong, pulling them apart now that they’ve discovered bliss with one another.
It’s a great author who can keep a series fresh as each book comes along and Ms. Mayhue has been quite successful at that with this series. Her characters are always charming, enticing, and intriguing. The storylines are intense and peppered with nice, light-hearted moments. Romance and mystery are entwined to keep you reading for the rawness and sweetness of the love and to find out who the baddies are and what they’re ultimately up to. Though there isn’t any actual time travel in this book, it’s referred to, letting the reader know why it’s needed and how it happens.
This is a well-rounded, solid, fun, interesting, and magical read. If you haven’t started this series, you should. There’s nothing like being taken away to live lovely fantasies in a Melissa Mayhue novel.
“Healing of a Highlander” is Mayhue’s 7th book in her Daughers of the Glen series. Once again Mayhue has done another great story, with a great couple. As I was not crazy about Leah in the previous books, that totally changed when she left McQuarrie Keep, to help save her ‘grandparents’. Then she met Drew and I really began to like Leah. They certainly made great soul mates.
The story begins with Drew Macalister living with excruciating pain caused by an old wound, but when he rescues Leah Noble McQuarrie, he has no idea how much his life is about to change. Leah hates anything Fae, after being tortured by the Naudians to do their bidding, as she is a descendant of the Fae, and has the power to heal. Leah denies her heritage and her magical healing abilities, but is determined to find a way to help her grandfather who is being held captive.
It was a very good story, different, but the same concept. They meet accidentally, they fall in love, they fight the attraction, adventure & danger, they get saved and live happily ever after. Lol I did enjoy it.
The storyline with Moreland was good, he knew she was the MacQuarrie girl he was looking for. Getting to see Sallie, Ran and family was nice. Going back to Dun Ard was great, though we didn’t see Colin until the end. Of course he is the next book, and he looks like he has the most power of any male Highlander.
At times it was frustrating that though they were very much in love, neither would admit it, and Drew, not knowing what was involved, just wanted to use her to heal him. But of course, he really did love her. Though I understood why Blane would not offer to send help for her grandparents, what would they have expected from her. Even though she was foolish to expect old Moreland to bargain with her, she only thought of the family who took care of her and whom she loved. Nice to see Sim and Dair, though we did not get too much.
As much as I enjoyed the book, and the pairing of Leah and Drew, I was disappointed that we did not get to see all the Scotland family at the end, like Mayhue has done with most of her books. We did get to see Drew become laird of MacQuarrie, and that is why things changed when Robbie went back to Scotland and saw the castle well taken care of, which had been different when he had checked years earlier. All because Drew and Leah had control and that altered things. I had hoped we would see Mairi find out what happened to Leah, so she could tell Destiny. Maybe in the next book.
Watch out for a future Highlander book for Peter Moreland, as he redeemed himself at the end. I think Mayhue may use his story one day. Of course we know that their will be a book for both Dair and Sim. Surprised she did McDowalyt next.
This seems not your typical highlander sort of romance. Usually we see the hero 'highlander' would be this mighty warrior who would seal his heart even for the 'One' due to the thought of being a warrior one must not has this thing called love cos that weakens him. And then only later realize that love conquers all.
This one, the warrior was wounded by the past injuries he obtained. While his the 'One' was also wounded by a traumatic past. Their path cross together and slowly begin to feel the need for each other although at first they denied those feelings due to personal needs. And this caused them some misunderstandings but they never reveal the truth as that might end their hope of their personal need later.
Unlike most highlander stories I've read, the hero and the heroin would always bicker. This one there's hardly any. Or I think there isn't at all...except maybe a little misunderstanding argument here and there. Anywhoo, what I think sets apart is that their emotions seems more realistic as they fight their own personal demons to overcome their true feelings for each other. The hero like being mentioned, definitely not like those typical highland hero who is brash and ready for a fight but he is a 'HERO' nonetheless for being honourable and all. And I like the growth between the character as they finally realize their need for each other is not just for personal benefit, but LOVE. And you can actually see them falling in love!
The only thing that bugs me is the 'battle' scene could have done much better. I was left feeling a little unsatisfied.
Also since I'm not Scottish nor had any knowledge of their slang, needs a little getting used to.
But all in all, this is refreshing take on Highlands romance.
Healing the Highlander by Melissa Mayhue Paranormal Romance -Feb. 22nd, 2011 4 stars
This is a fresh and light paranormal that readers of this series will surely enjoy. I loved the worthy and dashing hero.
Andrew MacAlister was maimed in a battle with the Fae. Now he suffers from constant pain and searches fruitlessly for a cure. When he finds and rescues a lovely lass and discovers she may be Fae and therefore have the ability to heal him, he is torn. He dislikes the evil Fae but longs to be healthy and free from pain. He hides his true identity from her in hopes that she can cure him.
Leah McQuarrie is from 700 years in the future. She was tortured by the Fae who wanted her for breeding purposes. Only by traveling into the past can she escape them. Although she has powers, she is ashamed of them and wants no part of her heritage even if it can do good. When the castle of her adopted family is attacked, Leah is the only one with the ability to escape and find help. She finds a mysterious and attractive man who appears noble. She uses this stranger to find help, knowing there is no other way to save the people she has come to love. But when Andrew reveals his true purpose in adding her, can she find it in her heart to forgive him and heal him?
The hero really carried this story. Although he wants Leah to heal him, he is not overly aggressive or bossy. In fact, he is very considerate and protective of Leah even when it may cause him further physical pain. I found him a very admirable and endearing character. Leah, in contrast is a bit less mature. She is still reeling from her abuse from her Fae imprisonment many years ago. She is often fearful and even weak at times. This made her a very human character but I keep waiting her to grow a bit more back bone. The only trouble I had with this story is the Leah keeps going on about Andrew’s betrayal. I wish she had just healed him and understood how much pain he was in instead of thinking of her wants and needs since he did sacrifice a lot to help her.
Easy to read and magical, readers who love this series will not be disappointed. I just wish the heroine had been more likeable.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Healing the Highland is a wonderfully romantic tale.
Leah Noble has fled the future where she was tortured by Nuadian Fae and held captive for her healing abilities. When their own son threatens Leah’s ‘grandparents’ she seeks the help of clan MacKiernan. Though she fears the clan and the Fae blood that runs in their veins she knows that they are her only hope. Andrew MacAlister is a man scarred inside and out, on a constant search for a cure to heal his painful injuries that resulted from a fight rescuing his sister and cousin from the Fae. When he comes across a woman floundering in the water he leaps to her rescue.
Even though this is the seventh book in the series I had no trouble jumping right into it without reading any of the prior books, it’s a wonderful stand-alone. Though I have had this series on my TBR list for a while, after reading this book I am looking forward to delving into the rest.
Fae magic, time travel, sexy Scottish highlanders and heart-warming romance can all be found in Healing the Highlander. Leah and Drew had an instant spark between them but their relationship developed first out of necessity then any real feelings though those eventually developed. The story line and romance was somewhat predicable, the love scenes luke-warm but it is still an enjoyable read. Light and easy with a story that flowed at a steady pace it was also a quick read. There were little glimpses of characters and relationships from other books but it didn’t distract from Leah & Andrew’s story. Both Leah and Drew have personal demons to overcome; Can Drew help Leah move forward from her past and can she heal Drew body & heart? There was some deception, truths withheld and obstacles put in their way but the development of their relationship was believable. All the charters are fleshed out well and we even get a tease at future stories. Over all it was an entertaining read that left me with warm and happy fuzzies.
I really liked this book! I was in the mood for a time-travel and a hot Scot, both of which this book had. I had heard good things about Melissa Mayhue, all of which were true IMO. I was only disappointed that I had not read the previous six books in this series before this one (not just sayin', there was too much I'd missed out on from previous books to understand this one like I should have). TT-type books are usually either going back or going forward, and I think both happen in this series; these books aren't truly stand-alones.
Leah had already gone back in time when this story started in 1293. She is happy and well-adjusted after being there for about 10 yrs,.until the first-born son of the Laird of MacQuarrie Keep returns from England (England = bad back then) and imprisons his father and tells Leah he has betrothed her to Lord Moreland who, of course, is a mean, old and fat man who wants Leah for a broodmare (he needs an heir before he dies or his estate passes to his nephew). Leah takes off to beg for help from her (mother's?) descendants at Dun Ard. She really, really wishes there was someone else to assist her because Leah hates the Fae with all her might and her far-distant (or farin the past, actually) relations are their long-ago desendants. You can probably guess what happens next because the story is fairly predictable.
But its fun! I liked Leah and her savior, Drew. I liked her family and his. I even somewhat liked Lord M's nephew. There were puppies. I mean, what's not to like, right? So I now have a new series to read (yea!) - but not too quickly so I don't get tired of it since "historicals" aren't usually my thing. I am now just like so many of my GR buds, a Ms. Mayhue cheerleader! So Cheers!
If you are looking for books that have faerie magic, love, highlander's(Love the men in kilts!), suspense I would recommend this sereis to anyone.
The back of the book:
ANDREW MACALISTER longs for a cure to free him from the excruciating pain caused by an old wound, but when he rescues a drowning woman, he has no idea how much his life is about to change. All Drew knows is that this mysterious woman is hiding secrets—and that he’s never felt such a consuming desire before. Yet he cannot deny her request for help, even if it means bringing the detested English army to his Highland clan’s home.
LEAH NOBLE MCQUARRIE still harbors a deep hatred of the Fae who tortured her eleven years ago, forcing her to escape back in time to the thirteenth century. A descendant of the Fae, Leah denies her heritage and her magical healing abilities. But the English army is holding her beloved adoptive grandfather captive, so Leah must seek help from the Fae—and the captivating man whose touch she craves.
Then Drew discovers Leah’s secrets, and he’s torn between old loyalties and trusting a woman who has the power to give him the future he’s sought—but could destroy his clan forever...
This was a awesome! I love the suspense and with "Fighting Love" part of the series. I also love the sneak-peak of "Highlander's Curse". Can't wait until the endof the month to read it. (3-29-11)
This book is a trifecta, is a historical, romance and fantasy all in one and of course sexy highlanders as a bonus. It is the 7th book in the series, first one for me, but I did not have any problem following the story. Leah time traveled from the future to hide from Nuadian, who were torturing her to make use of her gift of healing. Drew was hurt trying during a fight to rescue his sister and cousin from fae. They both have deep feelings that they have to fight against, she is determined to hide her gift and he is determined to find a cure. Fate brings them together when Leah goes to search for his clan to help save her adopted grandparents from their first born, who is trying to take over their keep to give to the English. They are forced into a relationship to save their lives after they find themselves surrounded by those they are trying to run from. The story develops light and easy, which brings me to the only fault I found, I missed the fiery passionate highlander, Drew was in my opinion kind of weak at the knees. None the less I really enjoy the book. Being that I am very partial to all that relates to highlanders and that I enjoyed reading this book a lot, I will say that I is a good enjoyable read and that I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Healing the Highlander is a wonderful, emotional and magical story of healingand second chances. Andrew McAlister and Leah Noble McQuarrie have tragic and painful pasts. Their paths cross while each are on personal quests relief and rescue. Andrew is searching for a cure for his excrutiating pain from a traumatic and crippling leg injury. Leah is fleeing in seek of rescue of her adoptive grandparents being held captive. Andrew saves Leah's life after a tragic accident. Fate has their futures entwined as danger stalks them. Can they both find what each wants most without detroying the other? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the characters facinating and the story emotional and heartwarming. Andrew and Leah had suffered so much I so wanted their dreams to come true and for each of them to find peace. Healing the Highlander kept my interest from page one and did not disappoint. I really look forward to reading other works by Melissa Mayhue.
Leah Noble McQuarrie has spent the last decade living a time that’s not her own. She’s rebuilt the life destroyed by the Nuadian fae in the past and was quite content to have done so if it meant she was safe from those who sought to harm her. She was content within the McQuarrie keep with her adoptive grandparents until their eldest son showed up taking over the keep and trying to force her into marriage with a mean-spirited, high ranking old man. She’s been held against her will once and Fairies attempt to use her body as a brood mare, she’ll not do it again. Though she’s turned her back on her heritage she has no choice but to escape the keep she calls home and seek the MacKiernans who Mairi said would help her if she should ever need them.
When Andrew MacAllister comes across a drowning lass while on one of his trips to find a cure for his injured leg he doesn’t think twice about saving her and though it goes against his better judgment he can’t resist coming to her aide and bringing her to DunArd even though if he were the laird he wouldn’t endanger his people to save hers. There’s something about her that he can’t walk away from. When he discovers she’s fae with the ability to heal, he thinks he’s found his dream come true. After all they put him through the Fairies owe him this. Except for all that Leah asks of him, she denies her heritage and the existence of her gift, absolutely refusing the one thing he wants from her. When circumstances find him married to her he believes that she’ll have no choice but to help him regain his life. But with Leah’s only goal to save the McQuarrie and his desire to protect his own people it seems they’ll never see eye to eye. Will he be able to convince Leah to help him even though he can’t give her the one thing she wants? Will Leah be able to save her new family without him?
Now this is what I’m talking about, the series picks up with the same flair it had in its beginning with this latest installment of the Daughters of the Glenn Series. I mentioned in my last review I’ve been waiting to hear Leah’s story. While I did get the love story I was looking for, the reason I didn’t give this a five star review is because the back story I’d been curious about wasn’t there. The story was great don’t get me wrong, but the only reason I really understood anything at all during this story was that I’d read all the previous titles before this one. If a person hadn’t already read the previous series titles and started with this one they’d have no idea what made Leah so reluctant to claim her heritage. The details of her captivity with the Nuadian fae are like one or two sentences out of the whole book. On top of we also get next to nothing of her adjustments to the new time period and the new life. While I think the story was a wonderful read it was also a bit of a letdown. She’s created this haunted female lead, a woman even more haunted than her crippled hero, but doesn’t let us inside that past that makes her who she’s become. I’ve been looking forward to this book since I met Leah two books ago, to not get the story I wanted was disappointing and I have to think I’m not alone in having wanted more of Leah’s past brought into this story, even if it were in a conversation where she told Drew about what happened, the complete truth. As it stands upon finishing this book it seems that Drew has no real idea of Leah’s past or why she’s in his time and she has no intention of telling him. To neglect spilling the story of such a vital part of this character I think diminishes the potential she’s set up in this book. However don’t get me wrong despite my complaints I really did enjoy the book. While I didn’t get as many secondary characters scenes as I usually enjoy in Mayhue’s other titles, the focus she gives to her main characters and their plights is worth reading. As all of the other titles it’s a fast paced, well written, third person novel. While the fae magic is discussed and the reason behind both leading characters’ hatred of the fae is glossed over a bit there aren’t actually any fae making an appearance in the novel which is a bit different from many of the other titles in the series. Other than Leah’s own powers most of the major magic is references to things that have occurred in past novels. However she brings the characters nicely into their time period by firmly bring the dissension between Scotland and England into the story. The story holds the constant threat of real danger and adventure, but doesn’t go as much into the life threatening scenes of previous novels, probably because the character are both against violence for the most part. I’m writing this and thing boy this isn’t coming out like what I have in my head but I hope you can understand that while the primary plot is the romance the secondary plot is equally interesting. It’s the type of page turner you can’t put down or walk away from especially if you’re a fan of Mayhue’s work. While the novel that introduce Leah was a bit of a letdown as you saw in my review of that book, the set up it provided for the last two titles was well worth the weak link in the series.
Characters are in my opinion Mayhue’s greatest strength and though she relied on previous titles to give readers most of the background on the leading characters in this story she did bring us firmly into their worlds, their hearts and their mind. She’s again created two well developed characters with believable strength and weakness that are easy to relate to. Leah and Drew are probably the most haunted of any character Mayhue has introduced to us yet. I’ll admit I think having more of the back story included in the book could have strengthened these characters considerably but they are nonetheless two of the most memorable characters I’ve seen in her works so far. Mayhue doesn’t spend as much time on secondary character development as she did in her other works, but since many of the characters are recognizable to series regulars I guess she’s able to get away with it. I’ll admit to wanting to know more about some of the secondary characters within this novel and where their paths eventually lead but overall I was happy with the characterization presented in this novel.
In conclusion now that you’ve suffered through probably one of my more poorly written review yet, the book is highly recommended to reader of historical and fantasy romance, though more the first than the second as the magic doesn’t have as much of a play in this novel as it has in other titles. However I do recommend reading the other Daughters of the Glenn Series titles before reading this one since as I mentioned above Mayhue relies a lot on the content of those novels to fill in the blanks in this one rather than recounting the back story that series regulars would already know.
This is Drew's story (Andrew)... and Leah's continuing story. Both of them are not fond of the Fae.
Drew because he blames the Fae for the injuries that prevent him from being of any use (he thinks); while trying to save his sister Sallie and his cousin Mairi from Nuadian Fae, Drew's leg was badly injured - cut by a sword. He's in daily pain and must constantly exercise to keep from being crippled. He's bitter that his life has become something other than his dreams. He doesn't believe he'll ever have a wife or family... that he'll ever be of true use to anyone. Drew's searched high and wide for any cure, never finding what he seeks.
Leah doesn't want anything to do with the Fae also because of her experiences with Nuadian Fae. They used her to feed their Bloodlust and to heal them... and they tried to breed her for more half-Fae to feed on. Leah wants only to be Normal - she doesn't ever want to use her healing gift.
You'd think these two would compare notes at some time in the story, right? Discover how much they have in common? Discover that the Nuadian Fae are the reason for their miseries? But no. This is the only part of the book I was disappointed in; I felt the author missed a great opportunity, even if it was at the end of the book, to help both Leah and Drew heal completely - to cement their bond.
Yes, this is a story of healing. And as is the way of the Fae, it's never what one expects. Leah's been at MacQuarrie Keep these past 12 years, since Robert claimed her as his daughter when they time traveled back. After Robert left, Leah continued in her role - his parents knew who and what she was and kept her secret. But Robert's elder brother (Richard/Dick), who was disowned after marrying an English woman and disavowing his name and heritage to be part of the English court, suddenly reappears and claims MacQuarrie Keep in the name of the English king. And takes over, going so far as to imprison his own elderly father at the top of the tower in a drafty room unfit for any man or beast. AND Richard (Dick) has decided that as now head of the family, he will marry Leah off to an English lord - an old man who's already killed countless wives because they couldn't bear him a son.
When Robert brought her back, he gave his mother an envelope with a letter of introduction to the Dun Ard folks (Mairie's family, the MacAllisters). He instructed Leah and his mother to make use of this contact if and when necessary; and both knew that this family has Fae blood. Leah's refused to have anything to do with them. Until now. Leah has no choice but to go to Dun Ard for help.
Along the way, she falls into a river... and is pulled out by none other than Andrew/Drew. Drew promises to take her to Dun Ard, but he never reveals that he's connected with Dun Ard. As they journey, they try to avoid the English soldiers trying to find Leah; but when they come to a monastery that Drew uses often, who else should be there but the very knight and English soldiers they're trying to avoid? To keep Leah safe, Drew claims that she's his wife and has nothing to do with Leach MacQuarrie. But the knight doesn't buy it; he makes it plain that the woman he seeks looks just like Drew's Leah and has the same name. The knight figures he'll keep a close eye on Leah and return her when it pleases him to do so; if the English lord that Leah is betrothed to dies without an heir, this knight will receive the title.
After returning to Dun Ard, Blaine (the laird and Drew's cousin) decides that it's too risky to help the MacQuarries, especially with the English knight and soldiers around. The knight says that when Drew and Leah are married in a church wedding, he and his men will be gone. But not long after the wedding, the knight captures Leah and returns her to MacQuarrie Keep.
You see, the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING between these two is that Leah thinks Drew only wants to use her for her healing powers. And while Drew did think that he could get Leah to heal him, he has no idea what that gift costs her to use. And, of course, they fall in love but neither will admit it to the other. Which is why Leah escaped.
Drew and his men use the secret entrance that Leah told them about to get into MacQuarrie Keep and to rescue Leah and her grandparents. But they're discovered and a fight ensues. Richard's young son tries to help by running from his room with a small sword; but he trips and falls down the stairs, impaling himself. Leah's grandmother strikes a bargain with the English: if Leah heals the lad (returns him to life), the English go away for good. For whatever reason, they agree; I guess Richard is supposed to not be all bad and really love his son, and the knight isn't supposed to be such a bad guy either. Leah does heal the boy, but he was so close to death that it literally almost kills her to do so.
And then we get our HEA... which comes hard and fast, it seems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Leah was once treated in horrid ways by the Fae, and managed to escape and made a life for herself in medieval Scotland. Even though she is from a more modern era, she has grown accustomed to life in Scotland, in the 1300's. When her adopted grandparents find themselves in trouble, Leah is determined to save them. When their son betrays them, and takes over their home and clan, and about to force Leah to marry a stranger, she escapes. She heads north, to a clan, that are kin to her grandmother, and are the only ones that can help them. On her way, she slips in a river, and is saved by a highlander, who protects her and takes her to his home. When they are followed by English knights and soldiers, they have no choice but to go under a false pretense of being married. Before they realize it, they will have to go through a real wedding, to make the soldiers believe their feelings are true. Andrew, has suffered a most painful injury, and is searching for anything that will aid in his pain that he suffers every moment. When he finds the truth about Leah, he realizes that she is his salvation....but sometimes love gets in the way of intentions and can change the course of fate...
Healing the Highlander is a fantastic addition to the Daughters of the Glen series that Mayhue has created for us. This does have a bit of time travel aspect, but we don't really see it, since it happens before the book begins, so its pure guess on what happens to Leah when she is younger, or maybe its revealed in a earlier book I have yet to read. The story starts off with Leah's life taking a turn for the worse and she is forced to flee her home to aid in the safety of her grandparents. Leah is a very strong willed character, and is willing to do whatever it takes to save the people she holds most dear. Then she ends up being a "damsel in distress" and a highland warrior saves the day. Drew, doesn't believe himself to be worthy of a wife or a family due to his injury. He has to work hard every day to make sure he isn't a invalid from his leg injury. These two definitely need each other, but in a variety of ways. It starts out very simple, the hero saving the heroine's life and they just go their merry way right? Wrong....the reader is thrust into a plot that is packed with twists that creates conflict against conflict, but only draws the reader fully into the story even more. The characters are such fun and I enjoyed seeing this couple together, and how they complimented each other. Each had their secrets, strengths and weaknesses, and toward the end you see how wonderful they are for each other. Reading this definitely made me want to read the rest of the series that I have yet to get my hands on.
Overall a romance that takes you back in time where history and magic prevail, where a conflict threatens to destroy all, and a passion that turns into a journey of love and adventure. A sweeping tale of love and magic!! PURE MAGIC!!
In my opinion, Mayhue's Daughters of the Glen series just can't be classified as wonderful reading. It isn't an intellectually book at all. While set in a historical time they are more romance and a lot less historical as compared to Monica McCarty's books which often revolve around historical dates and include historical figures (though not always completely accurate).
While, Mayhue's books aren't the best quality they are good for light entertainment. Because they don't require you to put much thought into them they are fast reads and are entertaining enough to compel you to pick up another.
While I wasn't a fan of the first book, the rest have been better and have left me entertained. Mayhue's characters are a little cookie cutter but they accomplish the goal of the book you are reading.
Andrew MacAlister is our hero and while he could be bitter about his injuries, sustained while rescuing a woman from the Fae in one of the previous books, which leave him in pain. Instead, Drew (as people call him) does yoga. Well, there is time traveling in these books. His sister-in-law is from the future and has given him the exercises to help him manage his pain. Drew continues searching the country side for something that will cure his injury and make him the man he used to be.
As it turns out, we discover Drew isn't a self absorbed at that would make him sound. He's brave, kind and honest. After rescuing Leah from drowning, he pretends to be her husband to keep her safe from English soldiers.
Leah seems naive and a touch over dramatic. She had endured rough handling at the hands of the evil Fae, repeatedly implying they'd either raped her or come close to it. You would think her reluctance to the Fae understandable but Leah has the gift of healing and she refuses to use it because she wants nothing to do with the Fae. Of course, there are times when Leah herself can't help but use her gift which is exactly how Drew discovers her ability.
Leah seems rather spoiled but she does have a good heart and while at times she seems weak she repeatedly stands up to brutish men who think to do as they please.
Overall the book, as I said before, is entertaining. It is very light reading. If you are looking for that in a highlander/time travel romance, this is the book and series for you.
I know, I know. I skipped two in the series, but I was in the mood of a Highlander historical novel and I really wanted to see what these boys were up to. And, of course, Melissa Mayhue hasn’t failed me yet. I loved coming back to these characters and catching up. And then, there is Andrew and/or Drew. I really really like him hehehehe. He holds a lot of the same traits that other members of his family holds including their need to protect women and believing they are just not good enough. Oh, but Drew is. and Leah is different as well, she has gifts from the Fae as well, but hates them, and, of course, Drew needs some healing of multiple kinds. Being brought back to the Macalister keep and the world of the Fae I was sucked back into the romance that I’ve loved from the first book. There was some focus on the Fae and their gifts, but more on Drew, Leah, and the world that they are in. And I loved that.
Good:
Drew—I really liked him. He doesn’t let anything hold him back. Well except for loving
Leah—She’s fiesty
Bad:
I’m not sure. I really enjoyed it and the character, but maybe a little bit more romance would be cool. Otherwise I have no arguments
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall, I love this series! I love me some highlanders and Melissa Mayhue knows how to deliver. It was easy to follow and filled with humour, adventure, romance, and some great characters.
I have been anticipating this installment in the Daughters of the Glen series for quite some time, and I was not disappointed! Leah's story is everything I hoped it would be and more. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed the easy way the story flowed. There was action and adventure throughout, and I never once felt like it stalled along the way. Seeing Leah grow & change while battling her personal demons was both interesting and liberating. And then there's the small matter of Drew Macalister that just adds to the allure.
Throughout this series I have enjoyed the intricate web Melissa Mayhue has woven with her characters' lives. Each character has his/her own battles and challenges revealed in his/her story, yet there's always an intrigue in another character that leaves you anxious to delve into the full story. This is part of what has me so eager for Colin's story in Highlander's Curse. (The teaser at the end of Healing the Highlander doesn't hurt either.)
If you enjoy historical romance and haven't tried this series, you must check it out. Melissa Mayhue is an excellent story teller with complex, well developed characters and entertaining storylines. I for one am especially in awe of how she keeps all the "Mac"s straight. Family tree, anyone? :)
I didn't like this as much as Melissa Mayhue's other books. Basically for two reasons. One Leah accuses Drew of lying (by omission) yet she never mentioned the trauma that has shaped her life nor told him she was from the future. I just felt that the romance was forced. They barely communicated about anything important. It just seemed superficial which is unusual for Ms. Mayhue.
And two Leah is supposed to be racing to the MacKiernan's for assistance to free her Grandparents from their evil son yet she spends weeks traveling and flirting with Drew. She rarely even mentions their plight to Drew nor does she ask the Laird for help once she arrives. It's almost as if Ms. Mayhue forgot the point of her story.
I just had trouble feeling the love when such important matters weren't being seen too.
I truly enjoyed "Healing the Highlander"! It was a fun, magical romance read. The thing that I love most about brave and brawny Highlanders is their great, oversized hearts! The hero of this story, Drew McAllister, is a wounded warrior in need of a loving, healing touch from a very special woman. He never expects that the woman will be Leah McQuarrie, a descendant of the Fae, and someone who could possibly destroy all he holds dear. Suspicion, superstition, and supernatural sensibilities are obstacles for these two deserving lovers to overcome. Melissa Mayhue wrote this story with humor, charm and a very involving romance between Drew and Leah. I look forward to exploring the entire "Daughters of the Glen" series.
Leah MacQuarrie is part Fae and has traveled back in time to avoid Faeries who want to capture her. After years in the 1200's, her world is turned upside down when a bad uncle returns to claim the Lordship for his own. She escapes in an attempt to save her adoptive Grandparents. While fleeing, she nearly drowns and is saved by Andrew MacAlister, who is also part Fae and has been scouring the countryside for years in an attempt to find a way to heal debilitating physical wounds. He learns that Leah has that ability, through her Fae blood. They fall in love, but both doubt it because of the ulterior motives in their relationship.
I just love this series! Melissa Mayhue once again works her "magic" on a highly anticipated story. Leah's character was beautifully brought full circle in this latest Daughters of the Glen book. Thoroughly enjoyed it! I can't wait for the next book in this entertaining series, "A Highlander's Curse."
Melissa Mayhue never fails to write well. Time travel is difficult to write, but I found "Healing the Highlander" fun, engaging, and impossible to put down. She has a way of taking characters out of the mold some writers put them in and breathing life into them. A definite recommendation for romance readers that favor time travel with an element of magic.
I wanted to like this book, and Drew was a great almost "beta" Scottish hero, but Leah ruined it for me. She was supposed to be 28 but acted and sounded like a teenager most times. The story could have been so much better if the writing had been better, too. It almost seemed like the author rushed and didn't put much thought into it.
I truly enjoyed "Healing the Highlander"! It was a fun, magical romance read. I always enjoy my highlanders!
I wasn't sure I'd be interested in Leah's story but it turned out I really enjoyed it and especially getting to know Drew. Of course there were glimpses of past characters which is always nice.
I love this series it has the right mix of paranormal, highlander and contemporary mixed in to one. I loved the story of Leah and Drew. They both had their personal demons that they had to overcome in order to recognize themselves as each others soul-mates. It also it sexy and thrilling which keeps you hooked.
It was a good steady, solid story that kept me reading and the ending was chaotic, magical and very emotional. Really loved this book and can't wait for the next one in this series to be released at the end of the month! Just can't resist a man in a kilt... (4.75/5*)
I always love time travel romance. This story is predictable, but I loved the character and enjoyed the read. I really hate the argument and disagreement after they fall in love. This is repeated in many romance books. I skim through the expected misunderstanding after the marriage.
This is the seventh book in The Daughters Of The Glen series, that I am rereading. We catch up with the MacAllisers, who have featured in one way or another in most of the previous books in this series. This book also picks up from the previous book in the series “A Highlander’s Homecoming”. The issue of the conflict between Scotland and England and royal allegiances is the backdrop of this book. Melissa Mayhue is skillful in weaving that into the story without making it too hard to follow. I did get irritated by the sloppy editing around one of the main characters, and English knight Sir Peter Moreland. As a knight his title is Sir Peter Moreland and he would be addressed as Sir Peter, NOT Sir Moreland. This happens a few times at the start, then it was obviously corrected to Sir Peter, but then again at the end of the book it happens a couple of more times. This is just sloppy and annoying, especially when it had been corrected. Still, apart from that little glitch, it was an enjoyable read. Again, that balance between heavy (the English crackdown on rebel Scottish families) and the light (Leah and Drew’s romance). Both Leah MacQuarrie (our heroine) and Drew MacAllister (our hero) are str5ong characters, who are determined to do things their way. Th sparks are in their relationship from the beginning, the plot is well developed and we have well drawn characters. Another good book from Melissa Mayhue.
This was a challenge for me to read at first. Melissa made the hateful characters seem so real to me. I feel like I was an observer in the room. I am one of those type of people that cry at commercials. Forget the old Hallmark movies. I thought maybe I would put the book down because of the hate of a few of the characters. I found my self reading and finishing the book. I was surprised it didn't end the way I thought it would. I'm just a softy I guess. It was very entertaining. I recommend it. I love the way this series ties the characters together.