Highland Protector

Murray Family #17

by Hannah Howell

The Murrays are back! From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell comes an all-new story of the beloved Scottish family, and two lovers entangled in a plot against the king. . .

Someone would see Ilsabeth Murray Armstrong hang for murder.

When her dagger is found buried in the body of one of the king's men, there is little room for doubt--the perpetrator must pay with her life. But Ilsabeth is no killer, and only one person can help clear her name: Sir Simon Innes, a man so steely and cool that no danger can rattle him. . .and no woman in distress can sway his heart.

Until now. Simon has spent his life searching for truth in a world fraught with deception. But the hauntingly beautiful fugitive seeking his aid affects him so deeply, he wonders if he can trust the flawless judgment he has always relied on. For all signs point to Ilsabeth's guilt, except one--the unparalleled desire he feels at her slightest touch. . .

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Scotland, Ebooks, Fiction

348 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).

She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin

Reviews

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited for this one but it didn't quite lead up to my expectations. I started with the Murray family in july of last year.. So I have read 17 books about this family in less than a year... and for the most part I have enjoyed them. But at some point they have all kind of become the same story. And the thing is thats not an absolute terrible thing. The story is freaking good! But they all kind of blur together sometimes.

It could also have something to do with the fact that I have been reading aloooooot of highlander books in the last couple months and to be frank most highlander stories are verrrry similar. But I love me some highlander men! SO I will forever read them and I will read about the Murray family until there are no more Murrays to read about.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this immensely. After reading Highland Sinner I wanted to see more of Simon Innes, the king's hound. A lovely 'mon' who has plenty of room in his heart for lost children and animals. And all that 'mashing' of lips he does with Ilsabeth!
A man with a haunted past and great doubts. But love heals!
Intrigue, adventure and romance! What's not to like!

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

The hero is Simon, the King's hound, whom we met a couple of books ago. He first helped James and then Tormand prove their innocence and thus is a good friend of the Murrays.

Our heroine Ilsabeth is Cormac Armstrong's daughter (Cormac was introduced in book 4 Highland Vow !!). She overheard her nasty fiancé implicating her in the murder of the King's cousin. Cormac thus ordered the Armstrong clan to flee from the King's men and asked Ilsabeth to seek Simon for help.

Simon subsequently discovered there's a plot to overthrow the crown and that the person leading the revolt is someone he knows very well...

I was looking forward to Simon's story and overall this is quite good. But I did find Simon took a bit too long in arresting the traitors (when he knew who they were!) and so it felt a bit draggy again.

[AB · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I know this is a formula book. A genre book that pretty much has to follow a set story line: after all, it is Hannah Howell. It's basically just superficial historical romance. It's not well written, it's predictable, and you don't have to think at all.

But damn, sometimes a girl just needs some trashy romance to fill up her time. I guess it works well enough for that.

[Cruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Why do your kin keep getting into such trouble?" p.21, loc.299

Author: Hannah Howell
First published: 2010
Length: 348 pages, 4087 locations
Setting: Scotland, 1479.
Sex: sometimes explicit, not frequent.
Series: Book 17 of Howell's Murray series.

A good, solid Howell medieval, back to the good old days. Heavy in story, lightly touched with paranormal, and pleasantly character driven. The sex is intimate and relevant; the backgrohnd characters are well formed. And there's a nice grovel to round it all out.

It does include a (thankfully brief) description of Medieval tortures.

A nice addition to the Murray books.

Murray Family:
Three brothers – the patriarchs of the Murray Family
Book 1 Highland Destiny - Balfour Murray (laird of Donncoill) and Maldie Kirkcaldy (1430)
Book 2 Highland Honor - Nigel Murray (brother to Balfour) and Gisele Deveau (1437)
Book 3 Highland Promise - Eric Murray (rightful heir to Dubhlinn) and Bethia Drummond (1444)
The daughters:
Book 4 Highland Vow - Elspeth Murray (daughter of Balfour) and Cormac Armstrong (1456)
Book 5 Highland Knight - Avery Murray (daughter of Nigel) and Cameron MacAlpin (1458)
Book 6 Highland Bride - Gillyanne Murray (daughter of Eric) and Connor MacEnroy (1465)
Relatives/grandchildren:
Book 7 Highland Angel - Payton Murray (son of Nigel) and Kirstie Maclye (1468)
Book 8 Highland Groom - Ilsa Cameron and Dairmot MacEnroy (1471)
Book 9 Highland Warrior - Fiona MacEnroy and Ewan MacFingal (1472)
Book 10 Highland Conqueror - Sigimor Cameron and Jolene Girard (1473)
Book 11 Highland Champion - Kiera Murray MacKail (granddaughter of Balfour) and Liam Cameron (1475)
Book 12 Highland Lover - Alana Murray (granddaughter of Balfour) and Gregor MacFingal (1475)

Grandsons:
Book 13 Highland Barbarian - Artan Murray (brother to heir of Donncoill) and Cecily Donaldson (heir to ) (1480)
Book 14 Highland Savage - Lucas Murray (heir to Donncoill) and Katerina Haldane (heir to Dunlochan) (1481)
Book 15 Highland Wolf - Annora MacKay and James Drummond (Laird of Dunncraig) (1477)
Book 16 Highland Sinner - Tormand Murray (son of Eric) and Morainn Ross (1478)
Book 17 Highland Protector - Ilsabeth Murray Armstrong (daughter of Cormac) and Simon Innes (1479)
Book 18 Highland Avenger - Arianna Murray Lucette and Brian MacFingal (1480)
Book 19 Highland Master - Triona McKee and Brett Murray

References:
Author's website: http://hannahhowell.com/

(ISBN 9781420120189)

-CR-

[Севдалина · Rating 4 out of 5]

Илсабет Мъри Армстронг и Саймън Инес

Илсабет Мъри Армстронг, дъщеря на Елспет Мъри и Кормак Армстронг от , е загазила и то здраво. Годеника й участва в заговор и убийството на човек на краля и решава, че е най-удобно да натопи за това Илсабет, принуждавайки семейството й да напусне дома си в търсене на скривалище, докато името им не бъде изчистено. Илсабет обаче трябва да докаже невинността си, ако не иска да бъде екзекутирана за измяна. Затова родителите й я пращат при Саймън Инес, известен като хрътката на краля. Безстрашен мъж, готов на всичко, за да разгадае някоя загадка и да накаже злосторниците. Докато пътува към дома на Саймън, Илсабет открива в гората две слаби малки дечица и решава да ги вземе със себе си, надявайки се да остане жива и да може да се погрижи за осиротелите деца.

Саймън е много добър приятел на Тормант Мъри от и преди няколко години е спасил както брата на Торманд, Джеймс Друмънд от това да бъде наказан, за убийството на жена си, което не е сторил, така спасява и Торманд от коварни убийци, опитващи се да припишат жестоки убийства на Торманд, за да бъде екзекутиран. Сега щом научава, че още един от клана Мъри се е забъркал в убийство, и то не на кой да е, а на братовчеда на краля, Саймън е готов на всичко, за да докаже невинността на прекрасната Илсабет, макар всички доказателства да сочат към нея.

Задколисни игри, зли врагове, предателства и една любов, която ще успее да се роди въпреки хаоса, който я обгражда. Хана Хауъл пише наистина хубаво. Но може би дългия ми маратон с нейни книги си казва думата и вече не са ми толкова интересни. Да не споменавам, че яко се омотах кой на кой дете, кой на кой братовчед, брат, сестра и чичов зълвин зет. Та, макар да беше интересна, книгата отново наблягаше на някои доста зловещи акценти, като факта , че брата на Саймън, освен че бе убил баща им и майка им, и бе наредил да убият тримата им по-малки братя, бе убил 3 от съпругите си, защото не могли да му дадат син, и почти всичките си дъщери, защото момичетата са безполезни. Освен това, беше накарал една от съпругите си, да съблазни Саймън, с надеждата той да й направи сина, за който копнее, и след това почти бе убил Саймън, за наказание, че е бил с жена му. Урод на хоризонта!!! Та с всяка селдваща книга, тази поредица става все по-заплетена и все по-кървава. От толкова плетни авторката забравя, че пише любовен рома и претупва доста отношенията между главните герои. Тук Саймън отбягваше Илсабет като чумава... а тя по някаква случайност излезе доста напориста и го преследваше яко... и след това, едно такова, джаста праста, взеха се, после пак се отбягваха, не знам, не седнаха нито за 2 мин да си разменят 2 приказки и да се опознаят. Освен това то тея наще бива бива, ама във ВСЯКА КНИГА главната героиня събира деца от някъде дали са 1-2-3 все различно, а главния има поне 1 незаконно дете... за което в повечето случаи не подозира. Вече като се пръкне някое дете покрай главната героиня и вътрешно усещам, че ще е на главния. Обичам книги с хлапета, ама в тази поредица им изгубих бройката. Абе като цяло не е лоша книгата, ама не е и нещо супер велико.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Framed for murder and treason by her betrothed, Ilsabeth Armstrong runs to Simon Innes, who has a reputation for ferreting out the truth.

I must have missed a book in this series, since I don't remember the second case Simon worked on. Simon has always been a bit cold, so it was nice to hear his backstory and to get a glimpse into what made him the way he is (and to watch Ilsabeth completely destroy him). This was a typical Highland story, complete with murder accusations, evil villains, and adorable moppets. While it was a bit formulaic, it still was a fairly good read, amusing and entertaining. I'm docking this a star due to getting a little bored in the middle and wishing they would just go ahead and move things up on the timetable.

[Highland-dreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, but I did think it was a little repetitive with the thought dialogue becoming spoken dialogue.. several times. I liked Simon's character, and was glad Ilsabeth was ignoring him for dumping her. I think she could've gotten him to grovel a bit more, though, at the end. Overall, I liked it, but one thing about these books that bothered me is how the dialect is written. I got used to it after the third book I read, but it was hard to read at first.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid Highland book from Ms. Howell! I adore the Murrays so it is fun to see how their family has evolved and continues to get into trouble. I liked Ilsabeth though she had a few TSTL moments. Simon was wonderful and I look forward to reading more about his brothers *crosses fingers*. The villain was well-written and appropriately evil without being over-the-top. Recommended!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Ilsabeth is in danger when her dagger is found in a dead king's man and they only man who seems to be willing to help her, if not totally believe her is Simon Innes, a man known to be fair and honest. As he delves into the mystery, Ilsabeth becomes morethan a client to him, and he finds he has to risk his life to prove her innocence. recommended.

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this steamy historical romance that had a good plot. A couple times it was kind of slow and some of the decisions hero and heroine made were bad but they made up for it later. Overall it was a good book. Ilsabeth is framed for murder of a kings man and is urged to flee to Sir Simon who will find the truth.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book except for one thing...many times I was left wondering where I was...there were many times that there were big jumps in time/place/scene without any indication I.e. spacing . . Extra lines between to aid with the jumps.....

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ilsabeth anxious to marry, finds herself framed for murder by her betrothed. Her parents send her to Sir Simon, who has a reputation to seek out the truth.

I enjoyed the integrity and goodness of the characters so maybe 3.5, but the angst of Simon wore on me.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Islabeth couldn't believe how foolish she'd been bringing that man anywhere near her beloved family. Now everyone was in danger and it was all her fault.
She only had one chance and that was plead for help from the last person anyone wanted to be in the same room.
Simon Innes was the King's man through and through and unfortunately her only hope of staying alive.
Simon wasn't sure what to think or believe because the girl had quite a fanciful tale.
He should have known her family wouldn't abandoned the girl as he spotted Tormand who clearly had been trying to hide who he was but unfortunately not succeeding very well.
Even as he was trying to unravel the twist and turns of this dasterly plot against his King Simon couldn't seem to help the fact he was attracted to Islabeth.
She should have known they'd find and now Islabeth's worse fears are coming true as she was dragged off to be imprisoned.
The only way he could save her now was to find the nest of traitors and prove without a shadow of doubt their guilt that no amount of coin or connections can save them.
And when his journey leads him back to the last place he wanted to be and to the very last person he wanted to see.
Simon knew he was a fool but he couldn't help himself she'd be better off without him.
However he can't stop thinking about her and even as he tries to explain his foolish mistakes his lass proves just how stubborn she can be as well.
So with few choices left he'll have to resort to a well try and true method.

[Susan Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book up until Ilsabeth, who was accused of murder, was found innocent. Then our hero, Simon, does something that, to me, was unconscionable (see spoiler).

While fleeing the charge of murder and heading for sanctuary with Simon, Ilsabeth comes across two stray children and takes them under her wing. Simon, who puts on a hard demenour on for the world, is actually a sucker for strays, both human and animal. As he strives to find the true perpetrators of the crime he falls in love with Ilsabeth and the children.

**********SPOILER*****************

So imagine my dismay when he comes to release Ilsabeth from the dungeon with the children, then leaves as two-yr-old Elen plaintively calls out his name so he'll come back. He stupidly feels he's not good enough for Ilsabeth for no good reason. Leaving everyone distraught, he then takes off to restore his home. It takes him 2 months to realize he can't live without them.
This is an honorable man. IMO it would be completely out of character for him to leave a woman who may be pregnant by him and children who depend on him. It ruined the story for me.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 17th book in the Murray family series. And Simon's story of love. Ilsabeth is in a lot of trouble someone has used her knife in a way that was not to be used. She is on the run, as a nun. With two little ones she has picked up on the way to Sir Simon's abode for help. But will he be able to untwist the mystery before she is hung for a crime she did not do? Even her own fiance is not on her side. What happens when all is lost? Even a kings man can not always be in all places at the same time. I enjoyed the reading of this books as much as all the others in this series.

[Angelica Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

I read this from cover to cover and joy made ills get to near crying. The way a new family was developed and the children were involved. I would have and will suggest this well written look to others!”

[Meranda Semeniuk-Wappel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really well written. This book had many twists and turns within itself. I absolutely loved how there was still humor despite all of the heartaches and evil in the story. I would recommend this book to any one who likes historical fiction.

[Diane Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home

This book had so much action. I loved the growing love between Simon and Ilsabeth. The drama and suspense that slowly played out kept me enthralled. It was suspenseful up until the ending.

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falsley accused of murder and treason Ilsabeth seeks Simon to uncover the truth and clear her name. True to her other Murray books, she finds love and gives all. Another good read from Hannah

[Sarah Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the same, but significantly better.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to know Simon’s story!! I am so happy he found his HEA.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, really bad editing.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romance

This was a good romance. Someone framed two for murder. She runs to Simon for help and finds two bairns on the way. She saves them and finds solace in Simons arms.

[Brenda Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. Hannah Howell writes so well that I laughed and cried through this book. Can't wait to read more.

[Megan Tinsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and fast read

I love the highland series. They are capture my attention.and keep it throughout the book. They are fast reads to.emjoy.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Howell never disappoints. Really enjoyed this addition to the Murray series. Can't wait to collect the rest. She is one of my favorite authors and this story reminds me why.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this era/location, subject matter of reading

[Erika Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is framed for murdering the King's cousin. Her family sends her to the one man who can clear her name. And of course she is disguised as a nun and picks up two abandoned children on the way. Lots of steamy scenes as our hero and heroine fall in love. Appearances from characters in the author's other books makes me want to check out the other volumes in the "Highland" series.