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Highlander #1
To Conquer a Highlander
A fierce Highland laird ready to kill for king and country...
When Torin McLeren discovers his neighbor's plot against his king, he takes their daughter as his prisoner, thereby stopping her father's plot from going forward. But that leaves him with a woman under his roof whom he can't ignore, and not just because she's his enemy's daughter...
A woman who's as much trouble as she is temptation...
Shannon McBoyd decides to use her captor to experience passion for the first time, and then to destroy him. But her plan goes awry because once she has lured Torin into her bed, she no longer wants to hurt the one man who seems to value and understand her...
Even if her father will kill him-and her-when he discovers what they've done...
When Torin McLeren discovers his neighbor's plot against his king, he takes their daughter as his prisoner, thereby stopping her father's plot from going forward. But that leaves him with a woman under his roof whom he can't ignore, and not just because she's his enemy's daughter...
A woman who's as much trouble as she is temptation...
Shannon McBoyd decides to use her captor to experience passion for the first time, and then to destroy him. But her plan goes awry because once she has lured Torin into her bed, she no longer wants to hurt the one man who seems to value and understand her...
Even if her father will kill him-and her-when he discovers what they've done...
347 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
101 people are currently reading
2736 people want to read
About the author
Mary Wine
83 books815 followersMary Wine has written over twenty novels that take her readers from the pages of history to the far reaches of space. Recent winner of a 2008 EPPIE Award for erotic western romance, her book LET ME LOVE YOU was quoted “Not to be missed…” by Lora Leigh, New York Times best-selling author.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
June 25, 2011
This was a good Highlander book, but there were a few things that made it too hard for me to enjoy.
Deep breath, Okay, I canNOT believe I'm about to say this, but I think there was too much sex. Seriously. I'm the friggin Highland Hussy, this book should have been perfect for me---hunky laird, lots of steamy sexy goodness---and yet...
Let me explain. Shannon McBoyd is the daughter of the McBoyd laird. He's an arrogant, bloodthirsty and cruel man. He sent Shannon off to be married to his buddy, but the McLeren laird captures her and takes her as a prize since her father sneaked onto McLeren lands and slaughtered women and children while the laird was away. Stealing her, he realizes he admires her stubborn and tenacious personality and her courage. I liked her a lot at the beginning. I liked that she didn't give in to Torin right away. But then she became a self martyr with a bitch complex. She mentions several times that her father is cruel (she was beaten by him in the first chapter), and he would never in a billion years have treated a prisoner as well as Torin has her, and yet, she still has to fight him at every turn.
Okay, so back to my too much sex issue, once they start having sex, it's super obvious Torin loves Shannon. Like he tells her he cares for her obvious. At one point, this was my favorite part of the book, it was their first time together, and it's soo sweet:
"Did ye mean what ye said?...That ye are here because ye choose to be?...Did ye mean it, Shannon McBoyd?"
She narrowed her eyes. "I did, but I'm rethinking the matter now that ye are throwing my last name at me."
"Use mine."
aww, I seriously loved that line. *le sigh*
And from that point on Shannon ruins it.
She pulls back from him. They have tons of wonderfully written steamy sex, and yet I wanted to say "Whoa whoa whoa, here, let's take a break and Shannon, you tell Torin why you won't wear his plaid even though you won't wear your father's colors either. And while we're at it, tell him why you don't want his child, to marry him, or to make a home in his super fantastic castle that you love so much."
At first the misunderstanding didn't bug me-but it wore on to the point where Shannon was called to Holyrood Palace to deal with her father's traitorous behavior, and Mcleren's cousin Lundy McLeren(who claimed he should be laird) said several times that he was going to kill Shannon, and she was still too stubborn to appreciate that Torin's best friend and neighboring laird was trying to keep her alive.
Then in front of the lieutenant Regent or whatever his title was, I liked her spunk again, but she blew it when Torin was "gifted" her by the Douglass, and yet still was all huffy that she was considered property. Guess what? YOU ARE PROPERTY. It was hang with your traitor of a father or go live happily ever after with the man you love! Is this supposed to be hard? You say "Thank you for not hanging me and letting the McLeren keep me since he stole me fair and square!!!!"
Then she still tells Torin she won't marry him. I swear if it had been a paperback I'd have thrown it!
They do of course get married, and Shannon didn't bother me the whole time, I just wish that once,just once,instead of having so much sex, they could have actually finished the conversations they would start. I think that it was a solid 4 star book for me until Shannon started telling Torin she wouldn't marry him, and she was being treated like a whore because he flew the gown with her virgin's blood out the window. In his mind they were already married and she still would tell him it made her feel like a whore. This is where I just wanted her to say why--Just tell him more than that. Everyone who had treated her like crap at the beginning had by this point liked her, and even they told her it was a symbol of respect their laird showed her.
And everyone snarled at everyone. Shannon and Torin would be snarling in tenderness, in frustration, in anger, and in the middle of sex. I got annoyed with all the snarling. And,really, how do you snarl in joy?
Okay, my rant is over. final verdict, I enjoyed the book, will definitely read more by Mary Wine, especially if it has the queen in it, because I loved getting her point of view and I'd love to see her much more. I also loved the side characters. I loved Torin but I didn't feel we got enough of him. I just got annoyed by Shannon's behaviour and by the sex over conversations.
Oh, and I loved this quote too:
"If the man never told her he loved her again, she would not question his feelings, because they were there in every glance he sent her way."
Deep breath, Okay, I canNOT believe I'm about to say this, but I think there was too much sex. Seriously. I'm the friggin Highland Hussy, this book should have been perfect for me---hunky laird, lots of steamy sexy goodness---and yet...
Let me explain. Shannon McBoyd is the daughter of the McBoyd laird. He's an arrogant, bloodthirsty and cruel man. He sent Shannon off to be married to his buddy, but the McLeren laird captures her and takes her as a prize since her father sneaked onto McLeren lands and slaughtered women and children while the laird was away. Stealing her, he realizes he admires her stubborn and tenacious personality and her courage. I liked her a lot at the beginning. I liked that she didn't give in to Torin right away. But then she became a self martyr with a bitch complex. She mentions several times that her father is cruel (she was beaten by him in the first chapter), and he would never in a billion years have treated a prisoner as well as Torin has her, and yet, she still has to fight him at every turn.
Okay, so back to my too much sex issue, once they start having sex, it's super obvious Torin loves Shannon. Like he tells her he cares for her obvious. At one point, this was my favorite part of the book, it was their first time together, and it's soo sweet:
"Did ye mean what ye said?...That ye are here because ye choose to be?...Did ye mean it, Shannon McBoyd?"
She narrowed her eyes. "I did, but I'm rethinking the matter now that ye are throwing my last name at me."
"Use mine."
aww, I seriously loved that line. *le sigh*
And from that point on Shannon ruins it.
She pulls back from him. They have tons of wonderfully written steamy sex, and yet I wanted to say "Whoa whoa whoa, here, let's take a break and Shannon, you tell Torin why you won't wear his plaid even though you won't wear your father's colors either. And while we're at it, tell him why you don't want his child, to marry him, or to make a home in his super fantastic castle that you love so much."
At first the misunderstanding didn't bug me-but it wore on to the point where Shannon was called to Holyrood Palace to deal with her father's traitorous behavior, and Mcleren's cousin Lundy McLeren(who claimed he should be laird) said several times that he was going to kill Shannon, and she was still too stubborn to appreciate that Torin's best friend and neighboring laird was trying to keep her alive.
Then in front of the lieutenant Regent or whatever his title was, I liked her spunk again, but she blew it when Torin was "gifted" her by the Douglass, and yet still was all huffy that she was considered property. Guess what? YOU ARE PROPERTY. It was hang with your traitor of a father or go live happily ever after with the man you love! Is this supposed to be hard? You say "Thank you for not hanging me and letting the McLeren keep me since he stole me fair and square!!!!"
Then she still tells Torin she won't marry him. I swear if it had been a paperback I'd have thrown it!
They do of course get married, and Shannon didn't bother me the whole time, I just wish that once,just once,instead of having so much sex, they could have actually finished the conversations they would start. I think that it was a solid 4 star book for me until Shannon started telling Torin she wouldn't marry him, and she was being treated like a whore because he flew the gown with her virgin's blood out the window. In his mind they were already married and she still would tell him it made her feel like a whore. This is where I just wanted her to say why--Just tell him more than that. Everyone who had treated her like crap at the beginning had by this point liked her, and even they told her it was a symbol of respect their laird showed her.
And everyone snarled at everyone. Shannon and Torin would be snarling in tenderness, in frustration, in anger, and in the middle of sex. I got annoyed with all the snarling. And,really, how do you snarl in joy?
Okay, my rant is over. final verdict, I enjoyed the book, will definitely read more by Mary Wine, especially if it has the queen in it, because I loved getting her point of view and I'd love to see her much more. I also loved the side characters. I loved Torin but I didn't feel we got enough of him. I just got annoyed by Shannon's behaviour and by the sex over conversations.
Oh, and I loved this quote too:
"If the man never told her he loved her again, she would not question his feelings, because they were there in every glance he sent her way."
August 8, 2022
This was such an entertaining win of a story, from the beginning, I was so entertained. From the beginning of the story, I was pulled into the story here. I was really intrigued by this story and the setup of the plot that the story introduces. And it starts off with a kidnapping plot, so it starts off with a bang of sorts. The hero and heroine really go at each other in such a delicious way, I will say that I just wasn't that invested in the story. I didn't "feel" the romance or the relationship much, it had a solid start, so I had high hopes for it but it just ended up not working so well for me as it felt so disappointing. The plot and character building was so deeply built but at the same time the writing I just didn't end up connecting with all the way through. I had high expectations of this one here and it just didn't quite meet up with them.
July 29, 2010
3.5/5
I always enjoy Mary Wine’s stories, and while that still holds true with To Conquer a Highlander, there was something different about this book in general. There wasn’t much action, even though there were attacks on different clans, the kidnapping of a bride, more attacks and even executions… with the exception of the bride-napping, there were very few details given, not much excitement. Not that I want blood and gore, mind you, but the story seemed interesting but then again... not. I was left wondering what happened, and how the characters really felt about things.
The first several chapters were very good. Lots of plot, interaction and excitement, but then after that, it felt like it moved rather slowly to me, in that we spent a lot of time inside Shannon’s head, hearing her thoughts on subjects ranging from her father’s poor judgment in attacking the McLerens, to the way women should be—but were not—treated as equals, as well as why she was—but wished she weren’t—attracted to Laird Torin McLeren, the man who had “stolen” her while she was enroute to her future husband. There were so many times when I thought to myself that this scene or that would have been much more interesting had Shannon’s thoughts been actual dialog, which they easily could have been what with all the people milling about. Now, that said, I enjoyed the glimpses into everyday life we always get in Mary Wine’s historicals. She does her homework, that’s for sure. The detail in which kitchens and bathing room workings and uses are described, the way foods are stored and prepared, are just some of the many things I love about her novels. This was done in such a way that it wasn’t boring at all, even though it was part of the time we spent in Shannon’s mind, as she set about her chores and compared the McLeren’s Donan Tower to her own home which was not nearly as “modern.” By about the second half of the book things picked up again, mostly because Torin and Shannon were spending more time together, so there was a lot of flirting and banter and, of course, hot sex.
I wish I could have connected with Shannon and enjoyed her as a heroine, but I really didn’t. She was very negative about everything, even while admitting that her life as a ‘prisoner’ was much better than it had been at home. She had some off sense of loyalty to her father and brothers who she didn’t even like, and who didn’t care for her, either.
Now, I really liked Torin McLeren, but didn’t love him. I felt like he deserved better than Shannon, and wished he would have tossed her on the moat or something equally as wet and embarrassing. The way he kept after her, his feelings growing deeper for her, made me wonder if he had self esteem issues and felt he couldn’t do any better. If Shannon had shown any redeeming qualities at all, I’d have felt much different about Torin’s attraction to her and that would have completely changed my entire perception of him. I did love that he was completely devoted to his clan, and that being a good Laird was very important to him.
Connor Lindsey, another clan’s Laird and good friend to Torin, seems like he’s got lots of emotional wounds in need of healing. We know that he’s made a marriage contract, but is having second thoughts now that he’s heard rumors about his future bride’s… indiscretions. We’ve learned enough about his past to know that he’ll be a great, tortured soul and so I’ll definitely be reading his story, the next book in the series, Highland Hellcat but I’m really hoping we see more conversations, more interactions and less internal dialog.
I don’t know why, but this little snippet stood out –
Gerty, Shannon’s maid is speaking to Shannon when discussing the bruise Shannon had received because she questioned her father’s attack on the McLerens.
“Ye be a right pretty enough lass. When yer nae wearing a mark from yer father’s hand, that is.” She clucked her tongue once again. “With a little prayer it might be healed by the time ye meet yer groom. Best to hope for that. No man wants a wife who needles her sire.”
My first thought was, a husband worth having would have kicked said sire’s arse for laying a hand on a woman, any woman, especially his own – but such were the times, aye?
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and the things I found lacking about it I’m chalking up to the book suffering from a case of the FITSs – First in the Series syndrome.
I always enjoy Mary Wine’s stories, and while that still holds true with To Conquer a Highlander, there was something different about this book in general. There wasn’t much action, even though there were attacks on different clans, the kidnapping of a bride, more attacks and even executions… with the exception of the bride-napping, there were very few details given, not much excitement. Not that I want blood and gore, mind you, but the story seemed interesting but then again... not. I was left wondering what happened, and how the characters really felt about things.
The first several chapters were very good. Lots of plot, interaction and excitement, but then after that, it felt like it moved rather slowly to me, in that we spent a lot of time inside Shannon’s head, hearing her thoughts on subjects ranging from her father’s poor judgment in attacking the McLerens, to the way women should be—but were not—treated as equals, as well as why she was—but wished she weren’t—attracted to Laird Torin McLeren, the man who had “stolen” her while she was enroute to her future husband. There were so many times when I thought to myself that this scene or that would have been much more interesting had Shannon’s thoughts been actual dialog, which they easily could have been what with all the people milling about. Now, that said, I enjoyed the glimpses into everyday life we always get in Mary Wine’s historicals. She does her homework, that’s for sure. The detail in which kitchens and bathing room workings and uses are described, the way foods are stored and prepared, are just some of the many things I love about her novels. This was done in such a way that it wasn’t boring at all, even though it was part of the time we spent in Shannon’s mind, as she set about her chores and compared the McLeren’s Donan Tower to her own home which was not nearly as “modern.” By about the second half of the book things picked up again, mostly because Torin and Shannon were spending more time together, so there was a lot of flirting and banter and, of course, hot sex.
I wish I could have connected with Shannon and enjoyed her as a heroine, but I really didn’t. She was very negative about everything, even while admitting that her life as a ‘prisoner’ was much better than it had been at home. She had some off sense of loyalty to her father and brothers who she didn’t even like, and who didn’t care for her, either.
Now, I really liked Torin McLeren, but didn’t love him. I felt like he deserved better than Shannon, and wished he would have tossed her on the moat or something equally as wet and embarrassing. The way he kept after her, his feelings growing deeper for her, made me wonder if he had self esteem issues and felt he couldn’t do any better. If Shannon had shown any redeeming qualities at all, I’d have felt much different about Torin’s attraction to her and that would have completely changed my entire perception of him. I did love that he was completely devoted to his clan, and that being a good Laird was very important to him.
Connor Lindsey, another clan’s Laird and good friend to Torin, seems like he’s got lots of emotional wounds in need of healing. We know that he’s made a marriage contract, but is having second thoughts now that he’s heard rumors about his future bride’s… indiscretions. We’ve learned enough about his past to know that he’ll be a great, tortured soul and so I’ll definitely be reading his story, the next book in the series, Highland Hellcat but I’m really hoping we see more conversations, more interactions and less internal dialog.
I don’t know why, but this little snippet stood out –
Gerty, Shannon’s maid is speaking to Shannon when discussing the bruise Shannon had received because she questioned her father’s attack on the McLerens.
“Ye be a right pretty enough lass. When yer nae wearing a mark from yer father’s hand, that is.” She clucked her tongue once again. “With a little prayer it might be healed by the time ye meet yer groom. Best to hope for that. No man wants a wife who needles her sire.”
My first thought was, a husband worth having would have kicked said sire’s arse for laying a hand on a woman, any woman, especially his own – but such were the times, aye?
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and the things I found lacking about it I’m chalking up to the book suffering from a case of the FITSs – First in the Series syndrome.
September 29, 2021
Çok daha iyilerini okuduğum için bu olmadı
July 7, 2010
I really am on a roll now, for some un seen power is working with me and I can only seem to read book's that are fantastic in my eye's, lol!
Once again I read a book that I loved, I would not say it was Amazing though I would say that for me this was the best Mary Wine book I have read to date.
The hero in this book was wonderful. He was a total hunk, strong, honorable, thoughtful, tender, loving, caring and good in bed, hahaha.
The heroine was full of spirit, unspoiled and had courage.
The love scenes were very sensual and passionate.
Now I hope that Bedding The Enemy which comes out July, 27 will be just as good if not better.
Once again I read a book that I loved, I would not say it was Amazing though I would say that for me this was the best Mary Wine book I have read to date.
The hero in this book was wonderful. He was a total hunk, strong, honorable, thoughtful, tender, loving, caring and good in bed, hahaha.
The heroine was full of spirit, unspoiled and had courage.
The love scenes were very sensual and passionate.
Now I hope that Bedding The Enemy which comes out July, 27 will be just as good if not better.
September 1, 2016
.5 stars
I should have went with my gut and stopped reading at 10% when I was already bored senseless. Perhaps I was in a forgiving mood today. I ended up actually stopping at 57% when the hero states to the heroine "It has never been my way to tumble many lasses, only to tumble the one lass I consider mine." Which I interpret as meaning "I only tumble lasses I consider mine." Since he has tumbled a quite a few in the past, and it was mentioned earlier how he only beds women he has feelings for, this statement is either extremely poorly worded or he feels no different for the h than he has for others.
Regardless, this just solidfied my thoughts of how badly executed the story is. The author has showed me on numerous occasions lack of clarity and meaning of her words throughout the book.
This aside, I skimmed about the first 25% due to the boring pace, the useless and unecessary details, lack of meaningful conflict and dialogue and flatness of the characters. There is zero romance and 100% lust, yet the loving scenes were uninteresting, boring in fact, with too much talking. We are also rarely shown what the hero is thinking. It is all mostly a one sided view of the heroine only and THIS I think was the biggest flaw of all.
A big pet peeve of mine is a heroine who can't fight her traitorous body and succombs too easily to an arrogant H. This is most frequent throughout.
I also loathe "sex" being used to describe the female anatomy. It was so repetittive and I cringed at the use every time.
The believablity in the heroines actions were non existant. She was abused by her father, brought to anther clan, treated 1000 times better than she ever had in her life, and still wanted to go back BECAUSE it's where she belongs. LAME
I found nothing likable about the hero or heorine.. and even the secondary characters were flat and unlikeble.
I am stil wondering who the antagonist is because I dont see one even at 57%.
Latly modern dialogue. "Slut" although used in the 1400's to describe one as being slovenly, was not used to describe a loose woman until the 1600's. I also wonder if it was even used in Scotland since the etymology of the word comes from German "Schlutt." (2 sec google search made this discovery).
Moreso it just doesn't fit or sound right for the times.
Coupled with redundancy, repetittiveness and lack of logical thinking ..I cannot fathom as to the reasons behind the high ratings.
June 25, 2011
Two and a half but I'll round it up because the hero's pretty good.
I'll be brief. The heroine in this book nearly made it a DNF for me. She was introduced as someone who'd had a hard life; abused by her father, made to be subservient as a female and especially to the Laird (dear old dad). So the spark she shows when she meets up with Torin McLeren is nice to see.
Then that spark turns to acid. We don't see her fighting what should be second nature to her at this point: the subservience that's been pounded into her. Where did she learn such pride? There's no progression, she skips from knowing she has no choices to someone who fights everything at every turn. No evolution or arc. And it's not like she has some great pride in or loyalty to her clan, she's ashamed of their actions so what's her problem? She's being treated with more respect and kindness than she's ever known and she's a brat the whole time.
I honestly didn't understand what Torin saw in her. Sure, we got her inner thoughts, but he saw nothing but nasty. And even her inner thoughts were bratty and selfish a good deal of the time.
By the end she keeps thinking about her "pride". I should search the word on my Kindle and see how many times it's used. A lot. All the way to the end. She's really an unlikable twit.
Torin deserved much better, although he was constantly being smug which only caused more acid to flow his way -- every time. So ... kinda dumb if he wants a little sugar now and then.
The book felt very long for the story and the worst part of all is that it started out so well. It had promise of intrigue and action and that fell by the wayside to a story of sniping and sex.
Very disappointing.
I'll be brief. The heroine in this book nearly made it a DNF for me. She was introduced as someone who'd had a hard life; abused by her father, made to be subservient as a female and especially to the Laird (dear old dad). So the spark she shows when she meets up with Torin McLeren is nice to see.
Then that spark turns to acid. We don't see her fighting what should be second nature to her at this point: the subservience that's been pounded into her. Where did she learn such pride? There's no progression, she skips from knowing she has no choices to someone who fights everything at every turn. No evolution or arc. And it's not like she has some great pride in or loyalty to her clan, she's ashamed of their actions so what's her problem? She's being treated with more respect and kindness than she's ever known and she's a brat the whole time.
I honestly didn't understand what Torin saw in her. Sure, we got her inner thoughts, but he saw nothing but nasty. And even her inner thoughts were bratty and selfish a good deal of the time.
By the end she keeps thinking about her "pride". I should search the word on my Kindle and see how many times it's used. A lot. All the way to the end. She's really an unlikable twit.
Torin deserved much better, although he was constantly being smug which only caused more acid to flow his way -- every time. So ... kinda dumb if he wants a little sugar now and then.
The book felt very long for the story and the worst part of all is that it started out so well. It had promise of intrigue and action and that fell by the wayside to a story of sniping and sex.
Very disappointing.
June 11, 2010
This was such a delicious story with bantering back and forth between Shannon and Torin. The sexual appeal to each other sent sparks flying out in all directions and you just couldn't wait til the two of them got going.
A tough storyline with that of one Clan trying to wipe out another and the struggles that ensue due to the pain both physically and emotionally. Torin is within his rights as Laird of the McLeren Clan to not only lash out at the neighboring McBoyd Clan but he is justified in bringing all of what is going on to the King so that justice can be given. Only problem for Torin is will he lose Shannon to the King's justice and how much will he have to give of himself to keep what is rightfully his by Highlander Law, what a Highlander steals is rightfully his.
A story full of action on two fronts, sexual between our hero and heroine and Clan vs. Clan for retribution for harm done to it's peoples, homes and livestock. A web of deceit against the Crown that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck as the tension builds throughout the story. A great Summer Read for anyone who needs a taste of the light and fluffy.
A tough storyline with that of one Clan trying to wipe out another and the struggles that ensue due to the pain both physically and emotionally. Torin is within his rights as Laird of the McLeren Clan to not only lash out at the neighboring McBoyd Clan but he is justified in bringing all of what is going on to the King so that justice can be given. Only problem for Torin is will he lose Shannon to the King's justice and how much will he have to give of himself to keep what is rightfully his by Highlander Law, what a Highlander steals is rightfully his.
A story full of action on two fronts, sexual between our hero and heroine and Clan vs. Clan for retribution for harm done to it's peoples, homes and livestock. A web of deceit against the Crown that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck as the tension builds throughout the story. A great Summer Read for anyone who needs a taste of the light and fluffy.
January 19, 2011
Maybe I'm just getting picky in my old age, but I thought this was just short of wallbanger boring. The story was unoriginal and predictable, the dialog was insipid and the hero and heroine really deserved each other what with their constant back-and-forth yammering. I've never seen two characters who growled and snarled so much in my life, and literally, those were the author's words: growled and snarled. What a lovely picture that makes. I won't make the mistake of reading anything more by this author.
A complete disappointment. D-
A complete disappointment. D-
April 12, 2021
To Conquer a Highlander
4 Stars
In the aftermath of a despicable attack on his clan, Laird Torin McLeren realizes that the neighboring McBoyds are part of a conspiracy to assassinate King James I of Scotland. To thwart their nefarious plot, Torin captures Shannon McBoyd. It soon becomes clear that the lass is not involved in the crimes of her family, and her honesty, integrity, and spirit ultimately capture the hearts of both Torin and his retainers. But the McBoyd must be made to pay for their deeds, and Shannon's life may also be forfeit.
Knowing little of the history of Scotland's monarchy, it was very interesting to learn about the assassination of James I and the political machinations that ensued. Mary Wine's research is very good and she weaves the history very smoothly within the storyline.
Shannon and Torin's romance is sweet and sensual with very little angst and drama. Yes, it is rather difficult to believe that Shannon would readily accept being Torin's prisoner and even develop such strong feelings for him. However, given the repulsive behavior of her family and the understanding and acceptance she receives from the McLerens, Wine makes it easy to suspend disbelief.
The secondary characters are interesting and the hints at stories to come for Torin's friends, Connor Lindsey and Quinton Cameron, are compelling. I look forward to continuing with the series.
4 Stars
In the aftermath of a despicable attack on his clan, Laird Torin McLeren realizes that the neighboring McBoyds are part of a conspiracy to assassinate King James I of Scotland. To thwart their nefarious plot, Torin captures Shannon McBoyd. It soon becomes clear that the lass is not involved in the crimes of her family, and her honesty, integrity, and spirit ultimately capture the hearts of both Torin and his retainers. But the McBoyd must be made to pay for their deeds, and Shannon's life may also be forfeit.
Knowing little of the history of Scotland's monarchy, it was very interesting to learn about the assassination of James I and the political machinations that ensued. Mary Wine's research is very good and she weaves the history very smoothly within the storyline.
Shannon and Torin's romance is sweet and sensual with very little angst and drama. Yes, it is rather difficult to believe that Shannon would readily accept being Torin's prisoner and even develop such strong feelings for him. However, given the repulsive behavior of her family and the understanding and acceptance she receives from the McLerens, Wine makes it easy to suspend disbelief.
The secondary characters are interesting and the hints at stories to come for Torin's friends, Connor Lindsey and Quinton Cameron, are compelling. I look forward to continuing with the series.
July 9, 2010
I liked this one. Must have been that whole bride stealing business, those highlanders are such barbarians ;)
This is set at the backdrop of a troublesome time in Scotland. The king is murdered and the heir in hiding. Shannon Boyd's father is rooting for the bad guy and wants to marry her off to him, but first he slaughtered some people on his neighbours land. On top of a clan war there could be a civil war coming. But Laird Torin McLeren kidnaps the bride to be and takes her away to his castle. Soon he realises that she is a wildcat.
Shannon has played the obedient daughter all her life but for that she has only got pushed around, her father does not care for her at all. She is at an age that she has started to feel she will never marry and leave his rule. Her lifer has not brought her to her knees. No, she has got spirit and a fiery tongue. But then she gets captured by a sexy highlander and starts thinking things she has never thought before. She is well aware his people hate for what her father has done, and that if her father is branded a traitor she hangs with him. Still through out the book she keeps that fiery tongue and is not afraid to stand her ground and not let anyone walk on her any more.
Torin is the Laird, but with no heirs and a cousin breathing down his neck. Shannon was only meant to be a prisoner, one that would be treated fair, but not thought about until the time came. Of course the first time they meet words fly and he can see that she has got spirit. A lowland wildcat. Soon he also realises that she was not well treated at her father's home. She is not like other women that would throw themselves at home because he is laird, or to save their lives from the noose.
There is a dance between these two, with banter, but there is never mistrust. He wants her, she realises that she wants him, but can't have him. I love that he does not back down, he know what he wants, it may be difficult to achieve but hell he will fight for it. He is one sexy alpha highlander, sure there was one thing that got me a bit angry at him. But I understood it, and it was nothing bad, now he wanted to show that he cared. I will not say more, you will find out when you read it. Most of all I like how well he does treat her, and tries.
A strong woman, and man not backing down, and untamed passion when sparks fly. A stolen woman belongs to the capturer and this Highlander will fight for his love.
There was also this other guy, and my eyes went wide and I had to go and check the computer at once. Yes Connor is getting a book of his own. I am sure that one will be good too.
Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Sword, yay.
Reason for reading: From sourcebooks
Final thoughts: A highland romance with a sexy Scot, and the bride he has stolen. Sounds like a good recipe for love.
August 18, 2011
You know that I captured the daughter of the rival clan for revenge and now I want her plot? yeah that's pretty much this one. And then the heroine and her "I lust him, but that means I'm a 'ho so I lust him not, but I lust him" really dragged on too long. I liked the hero but the redundant plot and annoying heroine worked on my nerves.
September 28, 2015
Oh this one was good. A lot of yummy sex with a cute epilogue.
March 15, 2024
günlerdir hangi kitabı eklemeyi unuttum diye düşünürken hatırladım!
iskoç romanlarına zaafımı bilmeyen yoktur, o yüzden arayışa girmiştim ve önüme bu çıkmıştı. yani kötü değil, erkek karakter iskoç beklentimi karşıladı ama bu türden romanlarda en yorucu kısım kadın karakter oluyor.
şu kadınları toksik yazmak için ekstra mı uğraşıyorlar diye düşünmüyor değilim bazen...
iskoç romanlarına zaafımı bilmeyen yoktur, o yüzden arayışa girmiştim ve önüme bu çıkmıştı. yani kötü değil, erkek karakter iskoç beklentimi karşıladı ama bu türden romanlarda en yorucu kısım kadın karakter oluyor.
şu kadınları toksik yazmak için ekstra mı uğraşıyorlar diye düşünmüyor değilim bazen...
February 28, 2014
The beginning of this book was interesting but, the rest of the story wasn't real compelling. I do think that Mary Wine has written a good book, but it was just not my cup of tea. The problem with some Highlander stories is that they can be limited in it's portrayal of the conflict with England. If a good story is executed regarding the historical aspect it can propel the story well. If the romance is well-written and the characters have chemistry it makes the story perfect. This is not one that pops for me. The majority of the book talks about them involved in many sexual exploits together. This took up the majority of the novel and it did not make for a believable romance to me. Couldn't believe they had a deep and enduring love when they barely interacted with each other at first. Didn't really even have a decent conversation throughout the book.
The main characters Laird Torin McLeren and Shannon McBoyd two members of warring clans in a power struggle. They were bland and irritating together. Shannon was more irritating and uninteresting. Shannon seemed like a tough, resourceful woman in the beginning having to endure what she did with her family. When she was around Torin she became an overly lusty sex kitten that was fighting with her inner moral conscience. He kept waffling between being a sensitive (almost emo) and an overbearing, over sexed guardian. She was constantly calling him a brute or barbarian (if only) then I think he would have been slightly more interesting. She was not a real strong female lead and he blended into the background, nothing swoonworthy about him. His two friends Connor and Quinton had more heat than he did. The story ended with justice being served and them receiving the inevitable happy ending. The conclusion felt tacked on and forced.
This story was predictable and I was disappointed.
The main characters Laird Torin McLeren and Shannon McBoyd two members of warring clans in a power struggle. They were bland and irritating together. Shannon was more irritating and uninteresting. Shannon seemed like a tough, resourceful woman in the beginning having to endure what she did with her family. When she was around Torin she became an overly lusty sex kitten that was fighting with her inner moral conscience. He kept waffling between being a sensitive (almost emo) and an overbearing, over sexed guardian. She was constantly calling him a brute or barbarian (if only) then I think he would have been slightly more interesting. She was not a real strong female lead and he blended into the background, nothing swoonworthy about him. His two friends Connor and Quinton had more heat than he did. The story ended with justice being served and them receiving the inevitable happy ending. The conclusion felt tacked on and forced.
This story was predictable and I was disappointed.
April 4, 2013
Bu kitap için söylüyeceğim şey Torin McLeren ilklerin adamı.. Arkadaş bi sahnede hiç duymadığım yada duyamayacağım bi laf etti ki ben onu okuduktan sonra gülmekten yarım saat kendime gelemedim :D Sanırım kitabın genelinde çok güldüm ben yaa :D Yazarın okuduğum ilk kitabı ve seriyi takip etmeye karar verdim.
Ben beğendim kurguyu, kadın karakterin hiçbir şeyden yılmamasını, dediğim dedik olmasını, Torin'in ne kadar gıcık, kendini beğenmiş, hatta dediği gibi sapına kadar Kuzey İskoçyalı olsa da hamurunda romantiklik vardı :D Okuyunda ne demek istediğimi anlayın diyorum..
Ben beğendim kurguyu, kadın karakterin hiçbir şeyden yılmamasını, dediğim dedik olmasını, Torin'in ne kadar gıcık, kendini beğenmiş, hatta dediği gibi sapına kadar Kuzey İskoçyalı olsa da hamurunda romantiklik vardı :D Okuyunda ne demek istediğimi anlayın diyorum..
August 18, 2016
The first book in Mary Wine's Highlander series. Torin McLeren kidnaps Shannon McBoyd with the intention of preventing a marriage. Lots of potential but not as good as other books that I've read by Mary Wine. I still thought it was a decent read. Just felt like it was missing something.
October 23, 2017
Laird Torin McLeren discovers his neighbor Laird McBoyd 's plot against the King . So he takes McBoyd' s daughter as his prisoner, thereby stopping her father's plan for wedding her off for power, which stops his plan from going forward. This leaves him with a lovely young woman under his roof, who is the enemy's daughter. Shannon McBoyd decides to use her captor to experience passion for the first time, then to destroy him. But her plan goes awry. While luring Torin to her bed, Shannon finds that she no longer wants to hurt Torin. Shannon cares about Torin and Torin cares about her as well. The one man who seems to value and understand her. Should her father finds out what she has done. He will do everything in his power to kill the both.
February 21, 2022
Comme la série McJames de l’auteure, j’ai beaucoup aimé. Même si j'ai pu remarquer beaucoup de similitudes avec les trois autres tomes, cela ne m'a pas dérangé. Je ne lis pas ce genre de livre pour être surprise. Surtout après avoir repéré le schéma des livres de Mary Wine.
Comme toujours on retrouve une héroïne qui n’a pas eu de chance à la loterie de la famille et un héros écossais combattant avec un honneur des plus important.
La résolution du problème s’est faite assez rapidement de façon évidente mais ce qui faut retenir de ce livre, c’est la relation entre les deux personnages. Une histoire passionnante et passionnée qui donne du baume au cœur et nous fait aimer les écossais encore plus.
J’ai aussi beaucoup aimé les deux amis de Torin qu’on retrouve dans les deuxième et troisième tomes. Je ne manquerais pas d’aller lire leur histoire.
Comme toujours on retrouve une héroïne qui n’a pas eu de chance à la loterie de la famille et un héros écossais combattant avec un honneur des plus important.
La résolution du problème s’est faite assez rapidement de façon évidente mais ce qui faut retenir de ce livre, c’est la relation entre les deux personnages. Une histoire passionnante et passionnée qui donne du baume au cœur et nous fait aimer les écossais encore plus.
J’ai aussi beaucoup aimé les deux amis de Torin qu’on retrouve dans les deuxième et troisième tomes. Je ne manquerais pas d’aller lire leur histoire.
April 21, 2024
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"3.5 stars" To Conquer a Highlander is the first book in Mary Wine’s Highlander series of Medieval Scottish romances. Following the murder of King James I, the Earl of Atholl, a traitor to the throne, rises up, trying to usurp power from James’s young son, and he has the backing of some Scottish clans, including the McBoyds. In an effort to weaken those who support the reign of James II, our heroine’s father, Laird McBoyd, attacks our hero, Torin McLeren’s lands. Torin is honor bound to retaliate, but instead of a direct attack, he follows Shannon who is being sent as a bride for Atholl to solidify that alliance. In the dead of night, Torin attacks, taking Shannon captive and killing all but one man who was with her. Shannon expects to be abused, but is surprised to find that Torin is a reasonable and honorable man who treats her with respect, which is far more than she ever received from her father. From the moment they meet, she’s physically attracted to him, and as he shows her kindness, that attraction only grows deeper. Shannon has always wondered what it would be like to lie with a man, but she’d always been kept strictly off limits to the men in her own clan. Now as May Day approaches, she considers going out with the other young women for the festivities, hoping that perhaps Torin will choose to bed her. It happens sooner than she expects and she finds the experience even more pleasurable than she’d imagined. Soon she’s falling for her handsome captor and dreaming of a day that he might feel the same way. But with James II now crowned and Atholl having been branded a traitor along with all who supported him, she knows that her father will likely hang soon and the man who is acting as a proxy for James until he comes of age, may order her execution as well. It will be up to Torin to convince them otherwise, but when he’s called away to battle and she’s taken to Edinburgh, he may not be able to reach her in time.
Shannon’s father has no kindness or respect for her, instead physically and emotionally abusing her and treating her like little more than a servant in her own home. When he attacks the McLerens, she believes he’s made a grave error, but saying so only gets her struck in the face for her audacity to speak. However, seeing an opportunity to solidify his alliance with the Earl of Atholl, McBoyd sends Shannon as a bride for the man he hopes will become king. Along the way, they’re attacked and Torin captures her as his prize, taking her back to his castle. Some of the McLerens view her as an enemy, but although she didn’t expect it from him, Torin treats her well. As she bravely takes on whatever tasks are put before her to do, she begins to earn the respect of some of the people in the castle as well. Although her father strictly guarded her virginity, viewing it as the only thing about her that was valuable to him, Shannon sometimes overheard other women talking of being bedded and has wondered what it might be like. The more time she spends around Torin, the more he tempts her. Knowing that even if she were ever returned to her father’s keep, he’d simply assume she’d been raped, she views it as an opportunity to satisfy her curiosity when Torin expresses an interest in her as well. Soon she discovers just how pleasurable the act can be, and although he begins to speak of marriage, she’s simply enjoying being Torin’s mistress, believing that nothing more can feasibly come from their relationship. In the back of her mind, she knows that her father will likely soon be executed for his role in the attempted coup and fears that she may be put to death alongside him.
Shannon is a real spitfire, who bravely stand up for herself. She has a backbone and isn’t afraid of hard work when she’s given tasks to complete around Torin’s castle. On the downside, as someone who’d clearly been abused by her father, she showed no real ill effects from it. I felt like she could have been a good tortured heroine, but nothing like that ever materialized in her characterization. However, she’s also very stubborn, which can sometime serve her well, such as when she courageously stands up to the king’s proxy in the face of possible execution, but other times it became a tad annoying. Even though Torin clearly treats her far better than her father ever did, in the beginning, she still talks of returning to her father’s lands as something she must do. As she grows closer to Torin, those protestations dissipate, but she still fights him on other things, including right up until the end, refusing to become his wife. I admit that her actions in that moment were rather selfless, with her thinking that he could better unify his clan by taking someone else as his bride who wasn’t viewed by some as a traitor, but it still put a small damper on the connection between them to have her still pushing back that late in the story.
Torin grew up not expecting to become laird of his clan. The author explained why this was, but I think she left out a few pertinent details, because despite rereading the passage, I struggled to understand the exact reason. All I know is that part of it had something to do with his father rejecting the bride who was chosen for him and instead marrying for love. His parents are now gone, and no mention is made of any other close family members such as siblings, only a cousin who seems to think he has some claim to the lairdship and uses Torin’s relationship with Shannon to try to elevate his own cause. In any case, having grown up with parents who loved each other very much, Torin is searching for that same kind of love with the woman he marries. Over the years, he’s had some mistresses, but I like that he’s a one-woman kind of guy who gives whatever woman he’s with at the time his full attention. Unlike other Highland lairds, he has no interest in having multiple women at his beck and call or siring bastards like crazy. In fact, many think him sterile because he has no known illegitimate children. Torin is an honorable man who treats women with respect and shows Shannon that same kindness. He’s sort of a mix of alpha and beta, having that Highlander arrogance, but still showing a softer side and not shying away from falling in love and expressing his emotions. I couldn’t help feeling that Torin was somewhat underdeveloped, though, with what I’ve mentioned here pretty much being the full extent of his characterization. We get very few scenes from his POV and those that are present tend to be rather short, so the reader isn’t really privy to much of what he’s thinking throughout the story. Most of what we learn about him comes from Shannon’s observations more like what you might see in a story written in first-person perspective. For as well as I got to know him, though, I did really like him.
Overall, I’d say that I liked To Conquer a Highlander, but I didn’t love it the way I wanted to. It got off to a great start with some action as Torin’s clan is attacked and he later retaliates by kidnapping Shannon. Once they’re back at Donan Tower, though, things slowed considerably. The ending was also reasonably exciting with Shannon being taken to court without Torin’s knowledge and a little suspense around the question of whether she’d be sentenced to die alongside her father. However, that middle section pretty much only consists of Shannon’s lustful thoughts about Torin and eventually lots of steamy sex when he decides to claim her. This book isn’t billed as an erotic romance, nor do I think that it qualifies in the traditional sense (there’s nothing kinky or anything, just lots of steam), but the author does seem to focus an inordinate amount of page time on either sexual thoughts or actual sex. Unfortunately this was IMHO to the detriment of the storytelling. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my romances steamy and I can also enjoy a good erotic romance, too, but when I go into reading a book with the expectation of a strong plot and get mostly sex, I simply have to call it out. There were missed opportunities aplenty to deepen both the plot and the characterizations. The story wasn’t bad, but I just couldn’t help feeling that it could have been a whole lot more. In fact, I struggled with how to rate it. Shannon’s stubbornness aside, she and Torin were pretty good characters and I thought they were well-matched. They also share a couple of romantic interludes outside the bedroom that were nice and even though I thought there was a little too much sex, those scenes were pretty well written. Because of this, I toyed with giving the book a four-star rating, but in the end, given it’s many weaknesses, I felt I had to downgrade it a little.
The next two books in the series are about Torin’s friends, Cameron and Quinton. I’m not quite sure what to make of both men laying kisses on Shannon in front of Torin without permission from either one. I guess it was some kind of odd tradition maybe [shrug], although Cameron also kissed her much earlier in a somewhat predatory manner that kind of rubbed me the wrong way. He said it was just to test her reaction to make sure she was worthy of his friend, so I guess perhaps I can let it slide. However, in the moment I wasn’t entirely sure if he was meant to be friend or foe, which was a little disconcerting, especially now knowing that he’s the hero of the next book. I’m open to continuing the series at some point, but given that this book wasn’t a huge winner for me and Cameron’s is next, it’s not going to be at the top of my list.
"3.5 stars" To Conquer a Highlander is the first book in Mary Wine’s Highlander series of Medieval Scottish romances. Following the murder of King James I, the Earl of Atholl, a traitor to the throne, rises up, trying to usurp power from James’s young son, and he has the backing of some Scottish clans, including the McBoyds. In an effort to weaken those who support the reign of James II, our heroine’s father, Laird McBoyd, attacks our hero, Torin McLeren’s lands. Torin is honor bound to retaliate, but instead of a direct attack, he follows Shannon who is being sent as a bride for Atholl to solidify that alliance. In the dead of night, Torin attacks, taking Shannon captive and killing all but one man who was with her. Shannon expects to be abused, but is surprised to find that Torin is a reasonable and honorable man who treats her with respect, which is far more than she ever received from her father. From the moment they meet, she’s physically attracted to him, and as he shows her kindness, that attraction only grows deeper. Shannon has always wondered what it would be like to lie with a man, but she’d always been kept strictly off limits to the men in her own clan. Now as May Day approaches, she considers going out with the other young women for the festivities, hoping that perhaps Torin will choose to bed her. It happens sooner than she expects and she finds the experience even more pleasurable than she’d imagined. Soon she’s falling for her handsome captor and dreaming of a day that he might feel the same way. But with James II now crowned and Atholl having been branded a traitor along with all who supported him, she knows that her father will likely hang soon and the man who is acting as a proxy for James until he comes of age, may order her execution as well. It will be up to Torin to convince them otherwise, but when he’s called away to battle and she’s taken to Edinburgh, he may not be able to reach her in time.
Shannon’s father has no kindness or respect for her, instead physically and emotionally abusing her and treating her like little more than a servant in her own home. When he attacks the McLerens, she believes he’s made a grave error, but saying so only gets her struck in the face for her audacity to speak. However, seeing an opportunity to solidify his alliance with the Earl of Atholl, McBoyd sends Shannon as a bride for the man he hopes will become king. Along the way, they’re attacked and Torin captures her as his prize, taking her back to his castle. Some of the McLerens view her as an enemy, but although she didn’t expect it from him, Torin treats her well. As she bravely takes on whatever tasks are put before her to do, she begins to earn the respect of some of the people in the castle as well. Although her father strictly guarded her virginity, viewing it as the only thing about her that was valuable to him, Shannon sometimes overheard other women talking of being bedded and has wondered what it might be like. The more time she spends around Torin, the more he tempts her. Knowing that even if she were ever returned to her father’s keep, he’d simply assume she’d been raped, she views it as an opportunity to satisfy her curiosity when Torin expresses an interest in her as well. Soon she discovers just how pleasurable the act can be, and although he begins to speak of marriage, she’s simply enjoying being Torin’s mistress, believing that nothing more can feasibly come from their relationship. In the back of her mind, she knows that her father will likely soon be executed for his role in the attempted coup and fears that she may be put to death alongside him.
Shannon is a real spitfire, who bravely stand up for herself. She has a backbone and isn’t afraid of hard work when she’s given tasks to complete around Torin’s castle. On the downside, as someone who’d clearly been abused by her father, she showed no real ill effects from it. I felt like she could have been a good tortured heroine, but nothing like that ever materialized in her characterization. However, she’s also very stubborn, which can sometime serve her well, such as when she courageously stands up to the king’s proxy in the face of possible execution, but other times it became a tad annoying. Even though Torin clearly treats her far better than her father ever did, in the beginning, she still talks of returning to her father’s lands as something she must do. As she grows closer to Torin, those protestations dissipate, but she still fights him on other things, including right up until the end, refusing to become his wife. I admit that her actions in that moment were rather selfless, with her thinking that he could better unify his clan by taking someone else as his bride who wasn’t viewed by some as a traitor, but it still put a small damper on the connection between them to have her still pushing back that late in the story.
Torin grew up not expecting to become laird of his clan. The author explained why this was, but I think she left out a few pertinent details, because despite rereading the passage, I struggled to understand the exact reason. All I know is that part of it had something to do with his father rejecting the bride who was chosen for him and instead marrying for love. His parents are now gone, and no mention is made of any other close family members such as siblings, only a cousin who seems to think he has some claim to the lairdship and uses Torin’s relationship with Shannon to try to elevate his own cause. In any case, having grown up with parents who loved each other very much, Torin is searching for that same kind of love with the woman he marries. Over the years, he’s had some mistresses, but I like that he’s a one-woman kind of guy who gives whatever woman he’s with at the time his full attention. Unlike other Highland lairds, he has no interest in having multiple women at his beck and call or siring bastards like crazy. In fact, many think him sterile because he has no known illegitimate children. Torin is an honorable man who treats women with respect and shows Shannon that same kindness. He’s sort of a mix of alpha and beta, having that Highlander arrogance, but still showing a softer side and not shying away from falling in love and expressing his emotions. I couldn’t help feeling that Torin was somewhat underdeveloped, though, with what I’ve mentioned here pretty much being the full extent of his characterization. We get very few scenes from his POV and those that are present tend to be rather short, so the reader isn’t really privy to much of what he’s thinking throughout the story. Most of what we learn about him comes from Shannon’s observations more like what you might see in a story written in first-person perspective. For as well as I got to know him, though, I did really like him.
Overall, I’d say that I liked To Conquer a Highlander, but I didn’t love it the way I wanted to. It got off to a great start with some action as Torin’s clan is attacked and he later retaliates by kidnapping Shannon. Once they’re back at Donan Tower, though, things slowed considerably. The ending was also reasonably exciting with Shannon being taken to court without Torin’s knowledge and a little suspense around the question of whether she’d be sentenced to die alongside her father. However, that middle section pretty much only consists of Shannon’s lustful thoughts about Torin and eventually lots of steamy sex when he decides to claim her. This book isn’t billed as an erotic romance, nor do I think that it qualifies in the traditional sense (there’s nothing kinky or anything, just lots of steam), but the author does seem to focus an inordinate amount of page time on either sexual thoughts or actual sex. Unfortunately this was IMHO to the detriment of the storytelling. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my romances steamy and I can also enjoy a good erotic romance, too, but when I go into reading a book with the expectation of a strong plot and get mostly sex, I simply have to call it out. There were missed opportunities aplenty to deepen both the plot and the characterizations. The story wasn’t bad, but I just couldn’t help feeling that it could have been a whole lot more. In fact, I struggled with how to rate it. Shannon’s stubbornness aside, she and Torin were pretty good characters and I thought they were well-matched. They also share a couple of romantic interludes outside the bedroom that were nice and even though I thought there was a little too much sex, those scenes were pretty well written. Because of this, I toyed with giving the book a four-star rating, but in the end, given it’s many weaknesses, I felt I had to downgrade it a little.
The next two books in the series are about Torin’s friends, Cameron and Quinton. I’m not quite sure what to make of both men laying kisses on Shannon in front of Torin without permission from either one. I guess it was some kind of odd tradition maybe [shrug], although Cameron also kissed her much earlier in a somewhat predatory manner that kind of rubbed me the wrong way. He said it was just to test her reaction to make sure she was worthy of his friend, so I guess perhaps I can let it slide. However, in the moment I wasn’t entirely sure if he was meant to be friend or foe, which was a little disconcerting, especially now knowing that he’s the hero of the next book. I’m open to continuing the series at some point, but given that this book wasn’t a huge winner for me and Cameron’s is next, it’s not going to be at the top of my list.
April 6, 2022
2.5 Stars for the steam.
It is beautifully written but lacks in plot.
Her father attacks Mcleren holdings and support a wanna-be-king , a traitorous kind of thing so Torin decided for a retribution and stolen Shannon and brought her to his land and did the wickedest thing without marriage.
It was surprising that the heroine was all lust for hero instantly and it was a little bit off. There was little pov of hero that's why you really don't know what was on his mind or the weight of his attraction to Shannon.
The traitorous plot was not emphasized greatly and more on sex. I'd like it more if it was balance.
Her worries are repetitive so it became annoying like she would birth a bastard and what would becomes of her if her father is a traitor so it keeps going and going.
The characters are mediocre, nothing special to remember this book like a common stories in Highlands.
It is beautifully written but lacks in plot.
Her father attacks Mcleren holdings and support a wanna-be-king , a traitorous kind of thing so Torin decided for a retribution and stolen Shannon and brought her to his land and did the wickedest thing without marriage.
It was surprising that the heroine was all lust for hero instantly and it was a little bit off. There was little pov of hero that's why you really don't know what was on his mind or the weight of his attraction to Shannon.
The traitorous plot was not emphasized greatly and more on sex. I'd like it more if it was balance.
Her worries are repetitive so it became annoying like she would birth a bastard and what would becomes of her if her father is a traitor so it keeps going and going.
The characters are mediocre, nothing special to remember this book like a common stories in Highlands.
March 26, 2018
As Droughtlander drags on, I needed a little Highlander pick-me-up. Set in the 15th century, this has more history than I expected but much more “heroine constantly doubting her feelings and worth” than I like. And well-written which saved it from being 2 Stars.
That said, it featured real historic characters along with our sensitive he-man in a kilt and the ever-present spunky, smart, mega-tressed heroine.
It also introduces several other formidable Highlander lairds— no doubt future sensitive He-men who I’ll revisit the next time I’m pinning away for Jamie and Claire!
That said, it featured real historic characters along with our sensitive he-man in a kilt and the ever-present spunky, smart, mega-tressed heroine.
It also introduces several other formidable Highlander lairds— no doubt future sensitive He-men who I’ll revisit the next time I’m pinning away for Jamie and Claire!
June 7, 2015
It is kind of an interesting book for me. I am not so crazy about it but at the same time, do not dislike it. I am actually very interested in reading it, wanting to find out more about Torin and Shannon. I read the book with enthusiasm and finished it with a certain level of comfort that readers experience after reading a good book, all the time. I decdied on 3 stars because I always base my reviews on my personal reading experience. It is the only way I feel that I can bring some credibility to my reviews. I am, in no way a writer and do not feel that I am in a position to pass judgements on the writers caliber. I can only speak from my personal experience and whether I was able to connect with the book.
And that is exactly why I find it difficult to rate this book. I was not emotionally connected. The plots were very standard, feuding clans and laird falling in love with his enemy's daughter. Betrayal to the king and minor clan politics. All that being said, I did not mind the book at all. Usually what I have just described means a difficult reading experience. I expected to struggle through the book. Yet I continued with much antiicipation. I can only surmise that it is the writing style that draws me. I wanted to listen to Ms. Wine's story. This is one story-teller, who I could listen to.
I wanted to write more about the plots but I am afraid that I have said it all with the few sentences above. There really isn't anything else to the plot. Torin fell in love quickly enough and much to my relief, did not fight too much. Thankfully he also was not acting like a besotted fool. I expected to dislike Shannon because she seems to be very stubborn. I usually dislike a heroine who insists upon silly things that should not matter. But Shannon's resistance somehow made the story for me. It is all very odd, me liking the lead characters, who are not exactly my kind of heros and heroines.
I would say that there are 2 main plotlines:
1. Shannon's traitor father, whose actions put Shannon's life in danger
2. Torin insisted on making a display of Shannon's soiled dress. Showing off her purity appeared to be a main theme in the story.
Everything else seems to be buildling on the above plots. Mere extensions.
I also do not think that I am convinced of their romance. I know that they are attracted to each other, because I was told so. I did not really feel the attraction. Love and attraction are not to be described. They are shown in acts, gestures, words that are said in the opposite direction. I am conviced of the affection when they are shown in the most impossible way. To be kind and gentle when it was against everything you are used to. To be challenged to go out of your way to make it better for the other person. Maybe I am too harsh. I do think Ms. Wine's feuding plots were supposed to ilustrate just that: to love someone you should not love.
I would continue reading Ms. Wine. I usually do not do that when I give 3 stars to a book. But as I said in the beginning, I am intrigued and hope to find out more.
And that is exactly why I find it difficult to rate this book. I was not emotionally connected. The plots were very standard, feuding clans and laird falling in love with his enemy's daughter. Betrayal to the king and minor clan politics. All that being said, I did not mind the book at all. Usually what I have just described means a difficult reading experience. I expected to struggle through the book. Yet I continued with much antiicipation. I can only surmise that it is the writing style that draws me. I wanted to listen to Ms. Wine's story. This is one story-teller, who I could listen to.
I wanted to write more about the plots but I am afraid that I have said it all with the few sentences above. There really isn't anything else to the plot. Torin fell in love quickly enough and much to my relief, did not fight too much. Thankfully he also was not acting like a besotted fool. I expected to dislike Shannon because she seems to be very stubborn. I usually dislike a heroine who insists upon silly things that should not matter. But Shannon's resistance somehow made the story for me. It is all very odd, me liking the lead characters, who are not exactly my kind of heros and heroines.
I would say that there are 2 main plotlines:
1. Shannon's traitor father, whose actions put Shannon's life in danger
2. Torin insisted on making a display of Shannon's soiled dress. Showing off her purity appeared to be a main theme in the story.
Everything else seems to be buildling on the above plots. Mere extensions.
I also do not think that I am convinced of their romance. I know that they are attracted to each other, because I was told so. I did not really feel the attraction. Love and attraction are not to be described. They are shown in acts, gestures, words that are said in the opposite direction. I am conviced of the affection when they are shown in the most impossible way. To be kind and gentle when it was against everything you are used to. To be challenged to go out of your way to make it better for the other person. Maybe I am too harsh. I do think Ms. Wine's feuding plots were supposed to ilustrate just that: to love someone you should not love.
I would continue reading Ms. Wine. I usually do not do that when I give 3 stars to a book. But as I said in the beginning, I am intrigued and hope to find out more.
June 30, 2010
This was a story with a fast moving plot and a lot of action. The battle scenes were gruesome, as was the description of the dungeon. That was enough reality for me to feel firmly planted in the time period. There was a lot of great tension as Torin and Shannon got to know each other better, too. I liked how the author showed the culture of the time and how men treated women in general, which made her captor's decent treatment of her all the more heroic. And unlike many books where the couples went to bed before marriage, you could tell these folks really did have feelings for each other.
I liked the realism of how Shannon kept insisting that she was worth nothing (after he had lain with her) because she was not his wife and she felt shame despite the fact that she enjoyed what they did. She continually said Torin should marry someone of blue blood, but the fact that his parents' had a marriage based on love and mutual affection made him want to settle for nothing less than the real thing. Torin was a pretty hot hero, and very easy to like. Same with Shannon. She gained the respect of his clan, and for good reason. At first she was more bull-headed, but she wasn't a wimp prone to manipulating men or people, which made everyone fond of her. It was sad how her own family disregarded her.
At any rate, the story was captivating and very sensual, but the steamy content didn't occur until almost halfway through the book. It was a little hotter than I prefer to read, as the majority of the second half of the book was loaded with all kinds of enticing scenes that were very erotic. The story would have been just as good without so much explicit detail and erotic wording, especially when it came to the oral sex. In fact, it would have been better. The author definitely has skill in writing sex scenes, though some of the terminology was crass and a bit offensive at times.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book, though I hesitate to recommend it to people not used to reading fiery historical fiction. I don't typically read it myself because I don't want to get all worked up reading a book. If they came out with a Christian version of this book I would highly recommend it for the storyline and the developing love between the characters, which in a Christian version would not be consummated before their wedding. As it stands now I'd recommend it with caution due to so much graphic content the second half of the book. But, I concede that it was a well-written and expertly plotted love story.
I liked the realism of how Shannon kept insisting that she was worth nothing (after he had lain with her) because she was not his wife and she felt shame despite the fact that she enjoyed what they did. She continually said Torin should marry someone of blue blood, but the fact that his parents' had a marriage based on love and mutual affection made him want to settle for nothing less than the real thing. Torin was a pretty hot hero, and very easy to like. Same with Shannon. She gained the respect of his clan, and for good reason. At first she was more bull-headed, but she wasn't a wimp prone to manipulating men or people, which made everyone fond of her. It was sad how her own family disregarded her.
At any rate, the story was captivating and very sensual, but the steamy content didn't occur until almost halfway through the book. It was a little hotter than I prefer to read, as the majority of the second half of the book was loaded with all kinds of enticing scenes that were very erotic. The story would have been just as good without so much explicit detail and erotic wording, especially when it came to the oral sex. In fact, it would have been better. The author definitely has skill in writing sex scenes, though some of the terminology was crass and a bit offensive at times.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book, though I hesitate to recommend it to people not used to reading fiery historical fiction. I don't typically read it myself because I don't want to get all worked up reading a book. If they came out with a Christian version of this book I would highly recommend it for the storyline and the developing love between the characters, which in a Christian version would not be consummated before their wedding. As it stands now I'd recommend it with caution due to so much graphic content the second half of the book. But, I concede that it was a well-written and expertly plotted love story.
February 27, 2012
Great 1st in the Highlander Trilogy with a Feisty Heroine!
This is the first in Wine's 15th century Highlander trilogy (see list below), and it's a good one. Great action, wonderful hero and heroine and sexy love scenes.
The story opens in 1437. James I has been murdered and the lowland McBoyd clan has brutally attacked the lands of Highland laird Torin McLeren. The McBoyd laird, a crude and heartless man, is seeking power in aligning himself with the Earl of Atholl, a contender for the Scottish throne, and hence the attack on the McLeren clan, loyal to the Stuarts. The McBoyd laird has betrothed his only daughter, who he values not at all, to the Earl of Atholl's nephew in an attempt to gain fighting men and to further cement the treacherous alliance.
Rather than attack the McBoyd clan, Torin seeks to foil their plan to support the Atholl by kidnapping the McBoyd daughter on her way to be wed. Shannon McBoyd is disgusted by the actions of her father and brothers but has been compliant to avoid her father's physical abuse. Inside she is a spitfire and Torin will have his hands full as he attempts to hold her and still be honorable.
I liked the fact Torin is constant throughout the story. And, his friend, Connor Lindsey, laird of the Lindsey clan, is a charming and loyal man who is well set up to be the hero in the next in the series. You will like them both.
One of the many things I like about Wine's romances is that she takes care with the history. It's not just set in Scotland but there is an historical framework of some interest for the novel. She also includes details that provide a clear picture of the living conditions of the time. While Wine's stories are not sweeping sagas, they are well written and engaging. I admire her ability to give us a feeling for the language of the time while still keeping it modern enough to be understandable. I recommend this one--and suggest you read the trilogy in order.
The Highlander trilogy:
To Conquer a Highlander
Highland Hellcat
Highland Heat
This is the first in Wine's 15th century Highlander trilogy (see list below), and it's a good one. Great action, wonderful hero and heroine and sexy love scenes.
The story opens in 1437. James I has been murdered and the lowland McBoyd clan has brutally attacked the lands of Highland laird Torin McLeren. The McBoyd laird, a crude and heartless man, is seeking power in aligning himself with the Earl of Atholl, a contender for the Scottish throne, and hence the attack on the McLeren clan, loyal to the Stuarts. The McBoyd laird has betrothed his only daughter, who he values not at all, to the Earl of Atholl's nephew in an attempt to gain fighting men and to further cement the treacherous alliance.
Rather than attack the McBoyd clan, Torin seeks to foil their plan to support the Atholl by kidnapping the McBoyd daughter on her way to be wed. Shannon McBoyd is disgusted by the actions of her father and brothers but has been compliant to avoid her father's physical abuse. Inside she is a spitfire and Torin will have his hands full as he attempts to hold her and still be honorable.
I liked the fact Torin is constant throughout the story. And, his friend, Connor Lindsey, laird of the Lindsey clan, is a charming and loyal man who is well set up to be the hero in the next in the series. You will like them both.
One of the many things I like about Wine's romances is that she takes care with the history. It's not just set in Scotland but there is an historical framework of some interest for the novel. She also includes details that provide a clear picture of the living conditions of the time. While Wine's stories are not sweeping sagas, they are well written and engaging. I admire her ability to give us a feeling for the language of the time while still keeping it modern enough to be understandable. I recommend this one--and suggest you read the trilogy in order.
The Highlander trilogy:
To Conquer a Highlander
Highland Hellcat
Highland Heat
February 1, 2011
This book had a potential for great story but did not deliver, everything was put in place for it but for a highlander book the entire book had not one fight scene or battle, I felt disapointed, the entire time the characters were closeted in some building between the kitchen and bedroom and then when they left nothing really happened. I grant you love scenes were good but that cant be all to one book, sadly here it is. Plus the female character had nothing to recommend her to me, didn't strike me as very clever or intriguing, you'd expect some skills from her other then washing dishes, even if the reality of world history is that women probably didnt do much else romance is fiction, I like them being able to compete with men in some small manner.
January 23, 2012
This was my first book by Mary Wine and I really enjoyed it. Torin McLerin kidnaps his neighbor's daughter in order to prevent a marriage that would bring the neighbor alliances that would be bad for Torin and all of the Higlands. Torin is not sure what to do with Shannon once he has her. He can't ignore her but he's not sure he wants to be linked to her family. Shannon has suffered physically and emotionally at the hands of her father. She expects the same treatment from her captor but slowly realizes that he is a man of honor.
July 7, 2010
This book really deserves 5 stars from me, because once I started I just couldn't put it down and really it isn't often that a book captures me in that way. I had to force myself to put it down last night so I could get some sleep and after a busy day today found myself thinking about when I would get some time to sit and finish. I have already pre-ordered the next book in the series and will be counting the next 90 days until its release.
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