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Highlander #2
To Tame a Highland Warrior
Also see: Alternate Cover Editions for this ISBN [ACE]
ACE #1
Only her love could gentle his savage soul—
He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side—into a competition to win her hand in marriage.
Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him—even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both....
~
ACE #1
Only her love could gentle his savage soul—
He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side—into a competition to win her hand in marriage.
Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him—even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both....
~
367 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1999
956 people are currently reading
10995 people want to read
About the author
Karen Marie Moning
32 books31k followers“The only other calling I ever felt was an irrepressible desire to be Captain of my own Starship. I was born in the wrong century and it wasn’t possible, so I chose to explore the universe by writing fiction instead. Books are doors to endless adventure.” -KMM
Karen Marie Moning is the #1 NYT bestselling author of the Fever Series and Highlander novels.
An alum of the Immaculate Conception Academy, at seventeen she attended Purdue University where she completed a BA in Society & Law, with minors in Philosophy, Creative Writing and Theatre, while working full time as a bartender and computer consultant. She intended to go to law school but after an internship with a firm of Criminal Attorneys, decided against it. For the next decade, she worked in insurance, where she wrote intercompany arbitrations and directed commercial litigation. At the age of thirty, she decided it was time to get serious and do what she’d always wanted to do: write fiction novels.
Beyond the Highland Mist was published in 1999 and nominated for two RITA awards. She then published six more novels in her award-winning HIGHLANDER series, and received the RITA Award in 2001 for The Highlander’s Touch.
In 2004, she began writing the #1 New York Times bestselling FEVER series. The books have been optioned twice for potential franchise development by Twentieth Century Fox and DreamWorks Studios, but the rights are currently held by Moning who has expressed a desire to one day see it as a television series. Her novels have been published in over thirty countries. She divides her time between Ohio and Florida and is working on two future projects for Random House Publishing.
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” – Jorge Luis Borges
Karen Marie Moning is the #1 NYT bestselling author of the Fever Series and Highlander novels.
An alum of the Immaculate Conception Academy, at seventeen she attended Purdue University where she completed a BA in Society & Law, with minors in Philosophy, Creative Writing and Theatre, while working full time as a bartender and computer consultant. She intended to go to law school but after an internship with a firm of Criminal Attorneys, decided against it. For the next decade, she worked in insurance, where she wrote intercompany arbitrations and directed commercial litigation. At the age of thirty, she decided it was time to get serious and do what she’d always wanted to do: write fiction novels.
Beyond the Highland Mist was published in 1999 and nominated for two RITA awards. She then published six more novels in her award-winning HIGHLANDER series, and received the RITA Award in 2001 for The Highlander’s Touch.
In 2004, she began writing the #1 New York Times bestselling FEVER series. The books have been optioned twice for potential franchise development by Twentieth Century Fox and DreamWorks Studios, but the rights are currently held by Moning who has expressed a desire to one day see it as a television series. Her novels have been published in over thirty countries. She divides her time between Ohio and Florida and is working on two future projects for Random House Publishing.
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” – Jorge Luis Borges
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,449 reviews
October 25, 2021
Re-read: 10/24/21
After reading a less than thrilling erotic romance about a berserker yesterday afternoon, I was moved to come back and re-read a really excellent romance about a berserker last night...and so here we are.
I apparently never did a proper review on this as I read it many years before goodreads even existed. I'll just say that if you like old school highlander romance with a bit of a paranormal element thrown in, then this book (and series in general) might strike your fancy.
After reading a less than thrilling erotic romance about a berserker yesterday afternoon, I was moved to come back and re-read a really excellent romance about a berserker last night...and so here we are.
I apparently never did a proper review on this as I read it many years before goodreads even existed. I'll just say that if you like old school highlander romance with a bit of a paranormal element thrown in, then this book (and series in general) might strike your fancy.
March 7, 2012
I loved this book.
Really, I don't get why people say that you could skip the first two books in the series and it wouldn't matter. This first 2 books may not be as good as the rest but IMHO they are still worth of being read. The first one was good, but this one was awesome. I know that this will be another series to add to my favs list soon. I'm not adding this book to that list, but if the rest of the books in the series are even better than this one they'll end up there because this one almost did.
I really liked the "Berserker" thing. It was something new which I hadn't heard before. What's not to love about sexy and really hot Scottish alpha males. How could someone not love this book?
I can't wait to read the next book. Awesome series.
Really, I don't get why people say that you could skip the first two books in the series and it wouldn't matter. This first 2 books may not be as good as the rest but IMHO they are still worth of being read. The first one was good, but this one was awesome. I know that this will be another series to add to my favs list soon. I'm not adding this book to that list, but if the rest of the books in the series are even better than this one they'll end up there because this one almost did.
I really liked the "Berserker" thing. It was something new which I hadn't heard before. What's not to love about sexy and really hot Scottish alpha males. How could someone not love this book?
I can't wait to read the next book. Awesome series.
April 13, 2011
I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. After reading the first one and being underwhelmed by the time travel aspect, I assumed this one would be much the same, however, in my opinion, this book is much better than the first. With the exception of the mention of a few characters from the first book in the series, To Tame a Highland Warrior can easily be read as a standalone novel.
Why did this one work for me? Well, no time travel, for one thing. Another important factor is the truly tormented hero, Gavrael McIllioch, aka, Grimm Roderick who, while he had superhuman powers, didn’t act like a superhero. In fact, he hated what he was – a Berserker. The stuff of nightmares, the very thing parents threatened their children with to get them to behave. He didn’t trust himself, couldn’t control when the Berserker in him would appear, and worried that one day he’d hurt the woman he’d come to love, Jillian St. Clair.
Jillian had been in love with Grimm since she was a young woman of only twelve and had no intention of ever wedding anyone except him. So it didn’t sit well with her when her father summoned three men to “come for Jillian” to compete for her hand in marriage. Grimm was one of those men who had been called for, and even though he came, he had no intention of marrying her. But he couldn’t stand to see anyone else win her hand, either.
This was a fun, sexy, and sometimes sad, story that can easily be read even if you haven’t read the first book, Beyond the Highland Mist. Although a couple of the characters from the BTHM are mentioned, they played such a small role that you’re not missing anything by skipping their story. Unless of course if you love time travel, have a go at it.
I hear the series gets better and better, so I’m looking forward to reading more.
December 7, 2016
★1 star..★ - FULL ON RAMBLING AHEAD! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I can't tell you how much it pains me to give this a one.There was so many things,I found irritating in this book and well the main lead characters were a huge part of that.
I get that this book is a second-chance-at-romance kind of book and I also went in KNOWING that it will take a bit of time before the two main characters,let go of their resentment and pride and got back together.But DAMNMIT ! Did all that unnecessary drama have to be dragged almost for the whole 80% of the book ?!
There was nothing delightful or witty about their sparing.In fact,I found it downright insulting and hateful.All they both ever did was insult and humiliate each other for the whole half of the book.Yes,they did have feelings for each other and yes they did brood in silence BY THEMSELVES in pain.But they never,not once showed a soft spot for the other,in the presence of each-other. So I really found it abrupt & absurd when they suddenly ended up together,just because we were nearing the end.Just Because!
I mean if a guy 'secretly' loved me,but went around insulting me in front of everyone I know while simultaneously throwing me in the way of every other suitor present. Rest assured,I can very decisively tell you,I would never hold on to any secret hope of marrying him,Unlike the heroine, Jillian who basically ran behind the hero to just plain annoy him.
THIS IS NOT ROMANCE,PEOPLE !
The other problem I had with our male lead character was his low,as in REALLY LOW SELF ESTEEM.
"Oh no,I'm a Berserker! I'm mad ! Gosh,a beautiful goddess like Jillian should never end up with a half human like me! Oh no! I should never tell her my secret! she must never find out!"
-Grimm,the hero's attitude for the whole 75% of this book.
AND last but not the least.WHY IS THIS BOOK IN THIS SERIES?! I read Book one and it had time-travel in it,I read book four it had time travel in it.I read book..and yes time-travel there too.
Then why not here? Why?
Ugh,so much of my precious time wasted...Why? :'(
This series in Ratings so far:
#1 Beyond the Highland Mist - 5 Stars ! (Review=https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#2 To Tame A Highland Warrior - 1 Star :( [The ONLY book in this series I rated so low.]Here's why->(Review=https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#3 The Highlander's Touch - 3 Stars (Not bad but not that great either.*Shrug*)
#4 Kiss of the Highlander - 5 Stars !!
(Review = https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#5 The Dark Highlander - 4 Stars :)
(Review = https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
#6 The Immortal Highlander - 4.75 Stars !
#7 Spell of the Highlander - 4 Stars.
(Review= https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#8 Into the Dreaming -4 Stars :)
I can't tell you how much it pains me to give this a one.There was so many things,I found irritating in this book and well the main lead characters were a huge part of that.
I get that this book is a second-chance-at-romance kind of book and I also went in KNOWING that it will take a bit of time before the two main characters,let go of their resentment and pride and got back together.But DAMNMIT ! Did all that unnecessary drama have to be dragged almost for the whole 80% of the book ?!
There was nothing delightful or witty about their sparing.In fact,I found it downright insulting and hateful.All they both ever did was insult and humiliate each other for the whole half of the book.Yes,they did have feelings for each other and yes they did brood in silence BY THEMSELVES in pain.But they never,not once showed a soft spot for the other,in the presence of each-other. So I really found it abrupt & absurd when they suddenly ended up together,just because we were nearing the end.Just Because!
I mean if a guy 'secretly' loved me,but went around insulting me in front of everyone I know while simultaneously throwing me in the way of every other suitor present. Rest assured,I can very decisively tell you,I would never hold on to any secret hope of marrying him,Unlike the heroine, Jillian who basically ran behind the hero to just plain annoy him.
THIS IS NOT ROMANCE,PEOPLE !
The other problem I had with our male lead character was his low,as in REALLY LOW SELF ESTEEM.
"Oh no,I'm a Berserker! I'm mad ! Gosh,a beautiful goddess like Jillian should never end up with a half human like me! Oh no! I should never tell her my secret! she must never find out!"
-Grimm,the hero's attitude for the whole 75% of this book.
AND last but not the least.WHY IS THIS BOOK IN THIS SERIES?! I read Book one and it had time-travel in it,I read book four it had time travel in it.I read book..and yes time-travel there too.
Then why not here? Why?
Ugh,so much of my precious time wasted...Why? :'(
This series in Ratings so far:
#1 Beyond the Highland Mist - 5 Stars ! (Review=https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#2 To Tame A Highland Warrior - 1 Star :( [The ONLY book in this series I rated so low.]Here's why->(Review=https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#3 The Highlander's Touch - 3 Stars (Not bad but not that great either.*Shrug*)
#4 Kiss of the Highlander - 5 Stars !!
(Review = https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#5 The Dark Highlander - 4 Stars :)
(Review = https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
#6 The Immortal Highlander - 4.75 Stars !
#7 Spell of the Highlander - 4 Stars.
(Review= https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
#8 Into the Dreaming -4 Stars :)
December 2, 2016
This love story is about Grimm the strong warrior that had made wishes upon the stars for his best friend Hawk to find his true love in the first book of the series.
Grimm already has a true love and for his own reasons he is trying to avoid her until her father decides to play the matchmaker.
My favourite scene was the stealing of the bride from the church. I seriously pray to find such scenes in the romantic books I am reading.
This book made my day when I finish it and I highly recommend it.
Grimm already has a true love and for his own reasons he is trying to avoid her until her father decides to play the matchmaker.
My favourite scene was the stealing of the bride from the church. I seriously pray to find such scenes in the romantic books I am reading.
This book made my day when I finish it and I highly recommend it.
March 17, 2020
Note to my parents, you guys should've done 10 years ago what Jillian's parents did for their daughter. Send me three hunks of prime male specimen and leave me to it.
Weird heroine but such a fun book.
Over and out
Weird heroine but such a fun book.
Over and out
September 5, 2015
Is there some rule in writing a historical romance novel that the male character must be a total jerkbag? And, the female must be a complete and utter fool? Cuz, this is the second book in a row that I have been completely and utterly disgusted by the depiction of my gender. I mean, okay, girls like reformed bad boys sometimes - reformed being the key word here. But, the idea that we are all aflutter when some guy treats us like dirt might possibly give guys the wrong idea (not to mention girls who read these things).
Being ignored, called names, physically intimidated, and rejected over and over again is NOT attractive!
But, that is how our "hero" treats the heroine of the story. And, she frankly can't get enough. She follows him around, even after he tells her to go away (continually), and throws herself at this man who treats her like crap.
Sorry, I had to DNF this book. I had heard that Puck, from the last story in this series, was going to be in all of these books, but he wasn't around. And, there was nothing riveting about this story of a stupid, desperate girl to keep me reading.
Being ignored, called names, physically intimidated, and rejected over and over again is NOT attractive!
But, that is how our "hero" treats the heroine of the story. And, she frankly can't get enough. She follows him around, even after he tells her to go away (continually), and throws herself at this man who treats her like crap.
Sorry, I had to DNF this book. I had heard that Puck, from the last story in this series, was going to be in all of these books, but he wasn't around. And, there was nothing riveting about this story of a stupid, desperate girl to keep me reading.
July 3, 2011
2 1/2 to 3 stars
I'm glad I read this series out of order (these books can be read out of order). I'm honestly not sure if would have continued the series had I read the first three books in the series first. Personally, I don't think the series was particularly engrossing until after the third book. Books four, five, and six are my favorite, with book six, The Immortal Highlander, my favorite of the series. You must, however, read books four, five, six, and seven in order.
I recommend reading the series in this order: Kiss of the Highlander (#4),The Dark Highlander (#5),The Immortal Highlander (#6), Spell of the Highlander (#7), The Highlander Touch (#3), Beyond the Highland Mist (#1), To Tame a Highland Warrior (#2)
I'm glad I read this series out of order (these books can be read out of order). I'm honestly not sure if would have continued the series had I read the first three books in the series first. Personally, I don't think the series was particularly engrossing until after the third book. Books four, five, and six are my favorite, with book six, The Immortal Highlander, my favorite of the series. You must, however, read books four, five, six, and seven in order.
I recommend reading the series in this order: Kiss of the Highlander (#4),The Dark Highlander (#5),The Immortal Highlander (#6), Spell of the Highlander (#7), The Highlander Touch (#3), Beyond the Highland Mist (#1), To Tame a Highland Warrior (#2)
April 28, 2019
Delightful and sensual!
The second book in the series takes us on a new journey with new characters with tried-and-true characters from the first making their appearances. This time we set in Scotland in the 1500s. We follow the story of Jillian and Grimm as they find their path to love through old family secrets and a plot to destroy Grimm and his heritage.
Just like the first this is very well written. The romance scenes are nice and hot and steamy. The build-up to the climax is great but the climax itself seems to be short and sweet.
I found the interesting thing about this book is that just when you think the story should end it continues on and leads you to the next generation which I found to be quite lovely.
Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who likes a good romance novel.
The second book in the series takes us on a new journey with new characters with tried-and-true characters from the first making their appearances. This time we set in Scotland in the 1500s. We follow the story of Jillian and Grimm as they find their path to love through old family secrets and a plot to destroy Grimm and his heritage.
Just like the first this is very well written. The romance scenes are nice and hot and steamy. The build-up to the climax is great but the climax itself seems to be short and sweet.
I found the interesting thing about this book is that just when you think the story should end it continues on and leads you to the next generation which I found to be quite lovely.
Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who likes a good romance novel.
December 8, 2022
4.5-5 “felt this in my loins stars!”
“For he owned the beast and the beast owned him..”
This book was such a surprise! I am in love with a Berserker named Gabriel “Grimm” Roderick. Since binging The Last Kingdom, I am craving reads like this. There’s nothing like a wild beast of a man that will fight to the death for his woman. NOTHING.
This story had paranormal elements in it, and I love the way Karen writes all her stories. She has set that bar for pnr & fantasy for me. Period!
“Sometimes the badly scarred ones had the greatest depth and the most to offer because they understood the infinite value of tenderness.”
That would be Grimm. He became a Berserker at the age of 15, left his clan not understanding who or what he was fully. I don’t want to spoil why he left, but in the process of leaving he came upon a family that took him in. This is where he met a young girl, Jillian. Little did he know..or maybe he did know that the age of 16, she knew he was the one for her. Fighting feelings for Jillian, Grimm left to remove himself from being tempted for her.
This story is full of it all!! The blood of battle, romance, and a magical story that I fell hard for. I can’t wait to get to book 3!
“Caring is love. And love fights! Love doesn’t look for the path of least resistance. Hell’s bells, Roderick, if love was that easy everyone would have it.”
“For he owned the beast and the beast owned him..”
This book was such a surprise! I am in love with a Berserker named Gabriel “Grimm” Roderick. Since binging The Last Kingdom, I am craving reads like this. There’s nothing like a wild beast of a man that will fight to the death for his woman. NOTHING.
This story had paranormal elements in it, and I love the way Karen writes all her stories. She has set that bar for pnr & fantasy for me. Period!
“Sometimes the badly scarred ones had the greatest depth and the most to offer because they understood the infinite value of tenderness.”
That would be Grimm. He became a Berserker at the age of 15, left his clan not understanding who or what he was fully. I don’t want to spoil why he left, but in the process of leaving he came upon a family that took him in. This is where he met a young girl, Jillian. Little did he know..or maybe he did know that the age of 16, she knew he was the one for her. Fighting feelings for Jillian, Grimm left to remove himself from being tempted for her.
This story is full of it all!! The blood of battle, romance, and a magical story that I fell hard for. I can’t wait to get to book 3!
“Caring is love. And love fights! Love doesn’t look for the path of least resistance. Hell’s bells, Roderick, if love was that easy everyone would have it.”
September 3, 2020
**Re-read Again September 3, 2020**
Still love!
**Re-read Review May 14, 2016**
Still loved it. I'm enjoying this series all over again. On to the next Highlander! Happy reading!
**Original Review February 14, 2014**
4 1/2 Stars
I loved it even more than the first book in the series. Grimm is my kind of book man. He is strong and loyal with a great heart. He absolutely loves his woman and he is emotionally damaged. Jillian is smart and kind and strong. She is not giving up on her man and she doesn't do anything stupid. Great story. I'm on to the next book in the series. Happy reading!!
Still love!
**Re-read Review May 14, 2016**
Still loved it. I'm enjoying this series all over again. On to the next Highlander! Happy reading!
**Original Review February 14, 2014**
4 1/2 Stars
I loved it even more than the first book in the series. Grimm is my kind of book man. He is strong and loyal with a great heart. He absolutely loves his woman and he is emotionally damaged. Jillian is smart and kind and strong. She is not giving up on her man and she doesn't do anything stupid. Great story. I'm on to the next book in the series. Happy reading!!
April 20, 2011
I’ve become quite a big Moning fan since I read the Fever series, and so reading her Highlander series, I had high expectations. And while Beyond the Highlander Mist wasn’t exactly my favourite Highlander historical, I found that To Tame a Highland Warrior was an improvement.
I LOVED the heroine, Jillian! I loved the fact that she was a headstrong female and was aware of her feelings for Grimm from the very beginning. Despite the fact that she gets easily infuriated by Grimm’s less-than-romantic ways, she is so endearing as a character that she easily became one of my favourite heroines. The scene about Grimm’s shirt was so adorable. Grimm has a way of dazzling Jillian to the point of where she fumbles over her words and turns red from embarrassment. But to me, it only makes me love her more. I loved her sharp tongue and the fact that she had no pride when it came to loving Grimm.
Similarly, Grimm was a great hero. He has his demons that haunt him, his Berserker curse. But he learns to accept his inherited gift. There were times when he infuriated me because he holds back so much, to the point where you question if they will ever get together. But, as with all romance novels, there is a happy ending. This one just takes longer to get there. Nevertheless, it’s worth the wait.
I’ve been chatting with few friends about cheesy romance covers and I think this one had a very good one before! It makes me laugh each time I see it. One can never resist smiling at waxed chests. Look at it and just try to resist laughing!! I dare you!
I LOVED the heroine, Jillian! I loved the fact that she was a headstrong female and was aware of her feelings for Grimm from the very beginning. Despite the fact that she gets easily infuriated by Grimm’s less-than-romantic ways, she is so endearing as a character that she easily became one of my favourite heroines. The scene about Grimm’s shirt was so adorable. Grimm has a way of dazzling Jillian to the point of where she fumbles over her words and turns red from embarrassment. But to me, it only makes me love her more. I loved her sharp tongue and the fact that she had no pride when it came to loving Grimm.
Similarly, Grimm was a great hero. He has his demons that haunt him, his Berserker curse. But he learns to accept his inherited gift. There were times when he infuriated me because he holds back so much, to the point where you question if they will ever get together. But, as with all romance novels, there is a happy ending. This one just takes longer to get there. Nevertheless, it’s worth the wait.
I’ve been chatting with few friends about cheesy romance covers and I think this one had a very good one before! It makes me laugh each time I see it. One can never resist smiling at waxed chests. Look at it and just try to resist laughing!! I dare you!
May 31, 2013
Gah! This was just painful. I'm so surprised that I managed to finish it. That probably had a lot to do with me having nothing else loaded to listen to on my drive to work and back. Plus, I liked the accents and visions of kilts (mmm, tasty.)
This was about a brooding hero full of self-hatred for being a berserker and the ditzy heroine who would settle for no other to wipe his feet with her (until later and then it was nothing but mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, “Oh, you have beautiful breasts,” and "Let me reach up your kilt and squeeze your..." mwah, mwah, mwah.)
The story starts with the girl's "da" and "ma" going off to visit relatives, leaving the heroine to choose (unknowingly, of course) between three hunky studs to wed, one of which is our dreary and whiney hero. Lots of hot come-ons by the other two and nothing but "No, Jillian, I'm an evil be-ZURRR-ker (so hard to emulate an accent, dammit!) You’ll only hate me when you find out what I am.” Said to himself, of course. Hardly any direct conversation took place between the H and h for two-thirds of the book except for “Go away, peahen” and “Why, Grim? Why?” over and over and over and over and… you get the picture.
I did drop a jaw when they finally got them some and it wasn’t three pages towards the end, but we still had to contend with the H’s nightmares of rejection and self-hatred as well as all the hoop jumping to ensure that the h never found out that he was an evil beast. Her having watched him single-handedly take out a village of bad guys five years before didn’t give her a clue. She was a whole fifty feet away, after all. In fact, she had to have someone practically put in writing with before and after photos of the H’s ancestors. (Sorry, portraits. This was set five hundred years ago. But they were soooo lifelike! Even the one’s engraved in the castle walls because the H’s genealogy is just that cool!)
We had our requisite berserker-saving-heroine-from-the-sneaky-and-evil-of the-three-suitors scene. And eff me if he hadn’t been the only hot one! Should’ve figured that. How the hot bad guy managed to get in the impenetrable fortress and out with a kicking and screaming heroine right under the noses of three berserkers is beyond me. So much for their super senses. It turned out ok, though, because apparently berserkers sprout skin like flying squirrels that allows them to escape bottomless pits. Haha! Don’t believe that. I made that up. He actually hit a ledge that was over five minutes of free-fall down into the pit the bad guy lured him into and sprung back out like superman in time to save the heroine. It was so touching how they looked lovingly into each other's eyes while the hero stood there in berserker-mode, holding the dripping, decapitated head of the bad guy. ~sigh~ (I told you it was painful.)
The scene tying everything up into a big happy bow included a visit from some characters obviously from a previous book about a time traveling wench and her hot, kilt wearing stud. What a kick to see how confused the current heroine got when she used all her twenty-first century lingo! (I hope you recognize sarcasm when you see it).
The sad part is, I have the next book in this series. I don’t think I can do it. What a waste of time and resources. Alas… But, hey, don’t let me stop you from reading this. There are seemingly hundreds of 4 and 5 star reviews just plastered all over the place. Though, it might be just because of the kilts.
This was about a brooding hero full of self-hatred for being a berserker and the ditzy heroine who would settle for no other to wipe his feet with her (until later and then it was nothing but mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, “Oh, you have beautiful breasts,” and "Let me reach up your kilt and squeeze your..." mwah, mwah, mwah.)
The story starts with the girl's "da" and "ma" going off to visit relatives, leaving the heroine to choose (unknowingly, of course) between three hunky studs to wed, one of which is our dreary and whiney hero. Lots of hot come-ons by the other two and nothing but "No, Jillian, I'm an evil be-ZURRR-ker (so hard to emulate an accent, dammit!) You’ll only hate me when you find out what I am.” Said to himself, of course. Hardly any direct conversation took place between the H and h for two-thirds of the book except for “Go away, peahen” and “Why, Grim? Why?” over and over and over and over and… you get the picture.
I did drop a jaw when they finally got them some and it wasn’t three pages towards the end, but we still had to contend with the H’s nightmares of rejection and self-hatred as well as all the hoop jumping to ensure that the h never found out that he was an evil beast. Her having watched him single-handedly take out a village of bad guys five years before didn’t give her a clue. She was a whole fifty feet away, after all. In fact, she had to have someone practically put in writing with before and after photos of the H’s ancestors. (Sorry, portraits. This was set five hundred years ago. But they were soooo lifelike! Even the one’s engraved in the castle walls because the H’s genealogy is just that cool!)
We had our requisite berserker-saving-heroine-from-the-sneaky-and-evil-of the-three-suitors scene. And eff me if he hadn’t been the only hot one! Should’ve figured that. How the hot bad guy managed to get in the impenetrable fortress and out with a kicking and screaming heroine right under the noses of three berserkers is beyond me. So much for their super senses. It turned out ok, though, because apparently berserkers sprout skin like flying squirrels that allows them to escape bottomless pits. Haha! Don’t believe that. I made that up. He actually hit a ledge that was over five minutes of free-fall down into the pit the bad guy lured him into and sprung back out like superman in time to save the heroine. It was so touching how they looked lovingly into each other's eyes while the hero stood there in berserker-mode, holding the dripping, decapitated head of the bad guy. ~sigh~ (I told you it was painful.)
The scene tying everything up into a big happy bow included a visit from some characters obviously from a previous book about a time traveling wench and her hot, kilt wearing stud. What a kick to see how confused the current heroine got when she used all her twenty-first century lingo! (I hope you recognize sarcasm when you see it).
The sad part is, I have the next book in this series. I don’t think I can do it. What a waste of time and resources. Alas… But, hey, don’t let me stop you from reading this. There are seemingly hundreds of 4 and 5 star reviews just plastered all over the place. Though, it might be just because of the kilts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2014
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Historical Paranormal Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 2.5 rounded up to 3
★Review★
As with book 1 Review Here I struggled with liking the heroine. Nothing I can really put my finger on, just something about them I struggled to put my finger on.
Felt like not a lot happened in maybe the first 60% other then them being mean to each other and wallowing in self pity. All sorts of back and forth in their minds, particularly the heroine. "Oh I love, him, oh he is so mean I hate him, I love him, he hates me, oh this must mean he loves me, oh I hate him, I love him" and on.
And certain things I just did not get. Grimm has spent time at Court, with Lairds etc, how was he unaware of the survival of his clan and this supposed "great city" given this is Scotland 500 or so years ago, when all clans or clans lairds would be known to other clans and especially their leaders! And there were other things that just made no sense to have happened that way.
Again with the first book the dialogue did not feel all that authentic to an historical setting.
I started enjoying it more toward the last quarter, as with book 1.
And I was pleased for the HEA.
But I have been reliably informed book 1-3 in this series are by far the weakest, and book 4 is when it gets great, so shall continue on.
Genre : - Historical Paranormal Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 2.5 rounded up to 3
★Review★
As with book 1 Review Here I struggled with liking the heroine. Nothing I can really put my finger on, just something about them I struggled to put my finger on.
Felt like not a lot happened in maybe the first 60% other then them being mean to each other and wallowing in self pity. All sorts of back and forth in their minds, particularly the heroine. "Oh I love, him, oh he is so mean I hate him, I love him, he hates me, oh this must mean he loves me, oh I hate him, I love him" and on.
And certain things I just did not get. Grimm has spent time at Court, with Lairds etc, how was he unaware of the survival of his clan and this supposed "great city" given this is Scotland 500 or so years ago, when all clans or clans lairds would be known to other clans and especially their leaders! And there were other things that just made no sense to have happened that way.
Again with the first book the dialogue did not feel all that authentic to an historical setting.
I started enjoying it more toward the last quarter, as with book 1.
And I was pleased for the HEA.
But I have been reliably informed book 1-3 in this series are by far the weakest, and book 4 is when it gets great, so shall continue on.
February 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much. The narrator of the book did excellent accents and voices.I did this as a buddy read with my friend Vicki Goodwin.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
April 27, 2017
A Highlander book+mythical creature+ strong heroine-> me happy!
"To tame a Highland Warrior" tells the story of Grimm and Jillian.
When 13 year old Gavrael summons the Berserker at the pinnacle of sorrow and anger, the unknown creature possesses him. Ashamed of what he's become, he leaves the past life.. including people he's met and assumes the identity of Grimm.
Jillian has always loved Grimm- when he walked into her life as kid-and also when he walked out breaking her heart as an adult.
Years later at 21, she's unwed and her father asks three strong suitors to come for Jillian- Quinn, Ramsey and Grimm.
Grimm has always been it for Jillian, her first love, her first kiss. Finding him back brings back a gush of memories she had never forgotten.
He pushes her away a LOT in fear of her response to his identity, but she relentlessly pursues him and eventually he gives in.
Mixed in are some sad misunderstandings, some revenge and some evil bastards.
It started out AMAZING but around the middle I was a little annoyed at the way the courtship seemed one sided. I understand his reasons for keeping her away.. but still..
The love making scenes were HOT! There's a lot of pent up lust between the h and H and the plot is basically "I've loved you forever" kind.
Extra stars for the sweet epilogue!
Not safe by definition
3.75/5
"To tame a Highland Warrior" tells the story of Grimm and Jillian.
When 13 year old Gavrael summons the Berserker at the pinnacle of sorrow and anger, the unknown creature possesses him. Ashamed of what he's become, he leaves the past life.. including people he's met and assumes the identity of Grimm.
Jillian has always loved Grimm- when he walked into her life as kid-and also when he walked out breaking her heart as an adult.
Years later at 21, she's unwed and her father asks three strong suitors to come for Jillian- Quinn, Ramsey and Grimm.
Grimm has always been it for Jillian, her first love, her first kiss. Finding him back brings back a gush of memories she had never forgotten.
He pushes her away a LOT in fear of her response to his identity, but she relentlessly pursues him and eventually he gives in.
Mixed in are some sad misunderstandings, some revenge and some evil bastards.
It started out AMAZING but around the middle I was a little annoyed at the way the courtship seemed one sided. I understand his reasons for keeping her away.. but still..
The love making scenes were HOT! There's a lot of pent up lust between the h and H and the plot is basically "I've loved you forever" kind.
Extra stars for the sweet epilogue!
Not safe by definition
3.75/5
September 13, 2018
Ben yine hani bana, hani bana modundayım.
Şaşırdık mı?
Acımıyor ki bu kahpe yazarlar bana.
Sonra da hiçbir şey yokmuş gibi yaşamaya çalışıyorum.
YOK YANİ YOK! BİR İSKOÇUM YOK NE YAPAYIM BEN?
ölüyorum her okuyuşta ulan
Bu aralar çok diyorum ama vallahi yazacağım yorum
Şaşırdık mı?
Acımıyor ki bu kahpe yazarlar bana.
Sonra da hiçbir şey yokmuş gibi yaşamaya çalışıyorum.
YOK YANİ YOK! BİR İSKOÇUM YOK NE YAPAYIM BEN?
ölüyorum her okuyuşta ulan
Bu aralar çok diyorum ama vallahi yazacağım yorum
July 5, 2021
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Very light in some of the dialogue
(These are all my own personal preference on a scale of 1 to 5 except the Steam Scale which follows our scale in The Ton and the Tartans facebook group. Each flame is one full sex act scene)
This is the second book in the Highlander series and does not have any time travel. The hero and heroine from the first book are in the very beginning and very end of the book. Grimm (this book’s hero) is in the first book a bit. You’ll get a touch more enjoyment out this story if you read book 1 but it’s not necessary.
Grimm and Jillian have a past. He’s abandoned her and her love years ago and has only returned as he’s received a mystery missive from her father that plainly states “Come for Jillian”. Jillian’s father is tired of her being unmarried – she’s a wonderful lass and at 21 he’s ready for her to find a husband. As he’s leaving to go to a family event, he invites 3 virile warriors to come while he’s gone to woo his daughter.
Give this a try if you want:
- Medieval time period in Scotland – the year is 1515
- A Berserker Highlander hero
- Second chance/unrequited love romance trope – the hero was fostered with the heroine in his teens. She has loved him for years, but he pushes her away.
- Heroine is 21, hero is 30
- A celibate hero – he has touched no one since he met the heroine
- Mid to higher steam – it’s a bit of a slow burn (won’t be until about 44% until you get some action) locations of kisses/intimate scenes located at end of review under a spoiler warnings
- You can tolerate a jealous hero that’s a bit of a jerk – he’s relentless with pushing the heroine away and purposefully cruel to her to discourage her interest
- A touch of secret identity for the hero and the prodigal hero returns ‘home’ after a number of years
- You don’t mind a bit of other man drama – the heroine is supposed to be choosing a husband from among the three men staying at her keep – there’s a bit of jealousy and fighting among them all
When I read most of this series years ago, I found this one the most forgettable. I actually ended up really enjoying it this go round. I’ll admit I was a touch bored in the beginning, it took awhile to get them to actually kiss each other and I was getting frustrated with that because the tension was great.
I usually do not love this type of story as much as others because the past is already established between them and I feel like I’m not getting the whole story. I adore the getting to know each other phase, and you tend to miss out on that with the second chance trope. But this one was done well enough with the remembrances that I didn’t feel like I was missing much.
Jillian was a bit annoying to me. She was just so volatile in her actions and while I do agree she had the right to be extremely upset with Grimm, the actual way she acted out on that was a bit juvenile.
There’s a line in the book I felt deeply as truth -
She could have kicked herself the moment she said it. She prided herself on being an intelligent woman, yet around Grimm she regressed into a petty child.
Yes, that I agree with. Still she grew on me over the course of the book. I think she did push the suitors against each other a bit much though.
Grimm was quite frustrating at parts and I am sure he will not be the favorite of many. He has the classic she’s too good for me mantra, I can never marry because she will not accept my hideous truth. He does lots of jerky things to push her away and try to make her dislike him.
But OH when their walls finally crumble and they fall into each other it’s so glorious. I adore the way Moning writes her kisses and sex and the tension. I am longing for that first touch and when it happens it’s so explosive.
When Grimm destroys the entire great hall and breaks a table in his loss of control over wanting the heroine, I just love that stuff. Toxic? Oh probably, but I gobble it up. I get giddy over that loss of control from the hero, those books are my favorite. Where the hero is consumed by his want for the heroine and eventually he cracks.
I liked this noted, especially as there is a bit of putting the virgin in the pedestal in this series so far (though it’s not the hero saying this) -
I’ve told you as much before, lass. I’ll take you on any terms. Grimm’s a fool, but I’m not. I’ll marry you happily. No regrets. I’ve never understood why a woman’s supposed to be untouched when a man’s expected to be as touched as possible.
Whereas the hero does say this
“When a lass permits virtual strangers to kiss her, it makes one wonder what else she permits.”
And also
His thoughts took a dangerous segue into the forbidden. “I’ve heard men say you’re too beautiful to touch. Is that true? Are you untouched?”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Total pages 367
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Very light in some of the dialogue
(These are all my own personal preference on a scale of 1 to 5 except the Steam Scale which follows our scale in The Ton and the Tartans facebook group. Each flame is one full sex act scene)
This is the second book in the Highlander series and does not have any time travel. The hero and heroine from the first book are in the very beginning and very end of the book. Grimm (this book’s hero) is in the first book a bit. You’ll get a touch more enjoyment out this story if you read book 1 but it’s not necessary.
Grimm and Jillian have a past. He’s abandoned her and her love years ago and has only returned as he’s received a mystery missive from her father that plainly states “Come for Jillian”. Jillian’s father is tired of her being unmarried – she’s a wonderful lass and at 21 he’s ready for her to find a husband. As he’s leaving to go to a family event, he invites 3 virile warriors to come while he’s gone to woo his daughter.
Give this a try if you want:
- Medieval time period in Scotland – the year is 1515
- A Berserker Highlander hero
- Second chance/unrequited love romance trope – the hero was fostered with the heroine in his teens. She has loved him for years, but he pushes her away.
- Heroine is 21, hero is 30
- A celibate hero – he has touched no one since he met the heroine
- Mid to higher steam – it’s a bit of a slow burn (won’t be until about 44% until you get some action) locations of kisses/intimate scenes located at end of review under a spoiler warnings
- You can tolerate a jealous hero that’s a bit of a jerk – he’s relentless with pushing the heroine away and purposefully cruel to her to discourage her interest
- A touch of secret identity for the hero and the prodigal hero returns ‘home’ after a number of years
- You don’t mind a bit of other man drama – the heroine is supposed to be choosing a husband from among the three men staying at her keep – there’s a bit of jealousy and fighting among them all
When I read most of this series years ago, I found this one the most forgettable. I actually ended up really enjoying it this go round. I’ll admit I was a touch bored in the beginning, it took awhile to get them to actually kiss each other and I was getting frustrated with that because the tension was great.
I usually do not love this type of story as much as others because the past is already established between them and I feel like I’m not getting the whole story. I adore the getting to know each other phase, and you tend to miss out on that with the second chance trope. But this one was done well enough with the remembrances that I didn’t feel like I was missing much.
Jillian was a bit annoying to me. She was just so volatile in her actions and while I do agree she had the right to be extremely upset with Grimm, the actual way she acted out on that was a bit juvenile.
There’s a line in the book I felt deeply as truth -
She could have kicked herself the moment she said it. She prided herself on being an intelligent woman, yet around Grimm she regressed into a petty child.
Yes, that I agree with. Still she grew on me over the course of the book. I think she did push the suitors against each other a bit much though.
Grimm was quite frustrating at parts and I am sure he will not be the favorite of many. He has the classic she’s too good for me mantra, I can never marry because she will not accept my hideous truth. He does lots of jerky things to push her away and try to make her dislike him.
But OH when their walls finally crumble and they fall into each other it’s so glorious. I adore the way Moning writes her kisses and sex and the tension. I am longing for that first touch and when it happens it’s so explosive.
When Grimm destroys the entire great hall and breaks a table in his loss of control over wanting the heroine, I just love that stuff. Toxic? Oh probably, but I gobble it up. I get giddy over that loss of control from the hero, those books are my favorite. Where the hero is consumed by his want for the heroine and eventually he cracks.
I liked this noted, especially as there is a bit of putting the virgin in the pedestal in this series so far (though it’s not the hero saying this) -
I’ve told you as much before, lass. I’ll take you on any terms. Grimm’s a fool, but I’m not. I’ll marry you happily. No regrets. I’ve never understood why a woman’s supposed to be untouched when a man’s expected to be as touched as possible.
Whereas the hero does say this
“When a lass permits virtual strangers to kiss her, it makes one wonder what else she permits.”
And also
His thoughts took a dangerous segue into the forbidden. “I’ve heard men say you’re too beautiful to touch. Is that true? Are you untouched?”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Total pages 367
July 11, 2010
This is a re-read for me. I love Karen Marie Moning, and I credit Monica McCarty for pointing me in her direction!
This is a great romance. Grimm is a Berserker, but is ashamed of it-he has no idea that it is a family trait passed down to him, and he should be proud of it! Instead, he believes that he watched his father murder his mother, and then the enemy of his clan slaughtered everyone in his clan-he then called on the legend of the Bereserker to help him defeat the enemy. Really his Berserker traits hit with puberty and the first time he sees bloodshed-for him about age 14. But his memory is flawed...his poor father lost his wife to the enemy, and Grimm thought he'd killed her! so Grimm left his clan and grew up with another family.
Jillian's family fostered him and she fell in love with him. She thought he loved her back because he kissed her, but then his cruel words and sudden departure break her young heart. But her father devises a scheme to force her to wed...he invites 3 young men (Grimm is one of them) to help her out while he's away, and she is to pick one by the time her parents return. Well she and Grimm have sparks flying every time they are in the same room together. And finally one night, they have crazy hot sex and Grimm panics and leaves her to marry one of the other men.
Idiot male.
So she plans to wed Quinn and Grimm does actually show up in time to stop the wedding, but that's only the middle of the book! There is so much more before he finally gives his heart fully to Jillian-he finds his clan is thriving, and his father was innocent of the charges Grimm threw at him. The ending has a wedding with our friends Hawk and Adrienne from the first book Beyond the Highland Mist and a sweet HEA.
My only wish would have been to see Quinn get his own book. He seemed the perfect type of hero for a Highlander book. Too bad Ms. Moning has said she's done with our favorite Highlander series.
This is a great romance. Grimm is a Berserker, but is ashamed of it-he has no idea that it is a family trait passed down to him, and he should be proud of it! Instead, he believes that he watched his father murder his mother, and then the enemy of his clan slaughtered everyone in his clan-he then called on the legend of the Bereserker to help him defeat the enemy. Really his Berserker traits hit with puberty and the first time he sees bloodshed-for him about age 14. But his memory is flawed...his poor father lost his wife to the enemy, and Grimm thought he'd killed her! so Grimm left his clan and grew up with another family.
Jillian's family fostered him and she fell in love with him. She thought he loved her back because he kissed her, but then his cruel words and sudden departure break her young heart. But her father devises a scheme to force her to wed...he invites 3 young men (Grimm is one of them) to help her out while he's away, and she is to pick one by the time her parents return. Well she and Grimm have sparks flying every time they are in the same room together. And finally one night, they have crazy hot sex and Grimm panics and leaves her to marry one of the other men.
Idiot male.
So she plans to wed Quinn and Grimm does actually show up in time to stop the wedding, but that's only the middle of the book! There is so much more before he finally gives his heart fully to Jillian-he finds his clan is thriving, and his father was innocent of the charges Grimm threw at him. The ending has a wedding with our friends Hawk and Adrienne from the first book Beyond the Highland Mist and a sweet HEA.
My only wish would have been to see Quinn get his own book. He seemed the perfect type of hero for a Highlander book. Too bad Ms. Moning has said she's done with our favorite Highlander series.
January 27, 2011
Karen Marie Moning writes a floorless romance.
This is the second book I have read in this series and on both occasions I have been gobsmacked at how perfectly proportioned they are.
The drama, suspense and romance are all extremely well balanced that I was left in a constant need for more.
The sex scenes are written without explicit detail giving it a more romantic feel and aren’t a big part of the story – concentrating more on the emotional love instead of the physical.
Karen also seems to have a profound confidence in her knowledge of the books era. She makes it sound completely realistic that its hard not to feel a part of the story and any writer that can use the word ‘infinitesimally’ and not sound like a tool gets a big two thumbs up from me.
This is the second time I have been left with a pounding heart and I can’t wait for the third.
Favourite quote...and who’s heart wouldn’t pound at the sound of this:
“I wake up wanting you. I fall asleep wanting you. I watch a magnificent sunrise and can think only of sharing it with you. I glimpse a piece of amber and see your eyes. Jillian, I’ve caught a disease, and the fever abates only when i’m near you”.
*sigh*
This is the second book I have read in this series and on both occasions I have been gobsmacked at how perfectly proportioned they are.
The drama, suspense and romance are all extremely well balanced that I was left in a constant need for more.
The sex scenes are written without explicit detail giving it a more romantic feel and aren’t a big part of the story – concentrating more on the emotional love instead of the physical.
Karen also seems to have a profound confidence in her knowledge of the books era. She makes it sound completely realistic that its hard not to feel a part of the story and any writer that can use the word ‘infinitesimally’ and not sound like a tool gets a big two thumbs up from me.
This is the second time I have been left with a pounding heart and I can’t wait for the third.
Favourite quote...and who’s heart wouldn’t pound at the sound of this:
“I wake up wanting you. I fall asleep wanting you. I watch a magnificent sunrise and can think only of sharing it with you. I glimpse a piece of amber and see your eyes. Jillian, I’ve caught a disease, and the fever abates only when i’m near you”.
*sigh*
February 10, 2015
2nd read - audio, so much better than the first narrator! Still 5 stars too!
***********************************************
My first pleasant surprise, or maybe delight is a better word, was that this story is about Grimm. Grimm was an instant hit to my heart during the first book so to see his history before me was sheer delight!
I was moving along the pages at a nice pace, all along thinking that this book was a worthy 4 stars! At what point this changed is debatable in my own mind... It could have been the way Jillian was placed in front of her 3 suitors, of course one being Grimm, or it could have been when Grimm finally abducted the *willing* Jillian from her wedding to Quinn! Maybe it was when Grimm had no choice to return home and discover his past was not as morbid as he thought and his own father had not killed his loving mother... whatever the reason, this book acquired the 5th star and a night of not being able to put the story down!!!
I loved this book, a truly gripping tale with twists and turns right up to the final battle... I wonder what the next tale will bring...
***********************************************
My first pleasant surprise, or maybe delight is a better word, was that this story is about Grimm. Grimm was an instant hit to my heart during the first book so to see his history before me was sheer delight!
I was moving along the pages at a nice pace, all along thinking that this book was a worthy 4 stars! At what point this changed is debatable in my own mind... It could have been the way Jillian was placed in front of her 3 suitors, of course one being Grimm, or it could have been when Grimm finally abducted the *willing* Jillian from her wedding to Quinn! Maybe it was when Grimm had no choice to return home and discover his past was not as morbid as he thought and his own father had not killed his loving mother... whatever the reason, this book acquired the 5th star and a night of not being able to put the story down!!!
I loved this book, a truly gripping tale with twists and turns right up to the final battle... I wonder what the next tale will bring...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
This story is way better than the first, or maybe listening to it made the difference. The narrator did a great job with the male characters and the Scottish brogue even though his female impersonations were a bit high toned for my liking.
I loved how the paranormal element was exploited in the story, never heard of the Bersekers before so it was original for me. I also loved the past bond between the main characters and the inevitability of their common future.
I didn't like the reasons that kept Grimm away from his home and made him renounce his chance at happiness. It was clear as day from the start that it was a misunderstanding on his part and it annoyed me.
Overall, an enjoyable read, with enough angst, battles and tumbles among the sheets to keep me entertained.
I loved how the paranormal element was exploited in the story, never heard of the Bersekers before so it was original for me. I also loved the past bond between the main characters and the inevitability of their common future.
I didn't like the reasons that kept Grimm away from his home and made him renounce his chance at happiness. It was clear as day from the start that it was a misunderstanding on his part and it annoyed me.
Overall, an enjoyable read, with enough angst, battles and tumbles among the sheets to keep me entertained.
January 2, 2020
This was a definite improvement over the first book in the series with much more compelling characters, Jillian, A woman of intelligence in a time and place where women are mostly intended to Mary and Grim, A warrior whose family bears the berserker curse Who has vowed despite his intense attraction to Jillian never to marry and pass the burden on. As one might expect of a romance novel, that Vow doesn’t last. Moning does a good job here of giving these characters real challenges to push against and of making them complex enough to hold my attention through the whole novel.
May 12, 2019
Espectacular quiero más libros de esta saga
October 18, 2024
Update 10/15/2024
I love this book, I've done several rereads over the years of all published books by KMM up until a new one comes out, which it just did. She recently released The House at Watch Hill at the beginning of this month.
I love the banter between Jillian and Grimm and then Grimm and Balder later in the book. I always forget how much I laugh when reading this. This book puts me in my happy place, but I probably have said that about all the books in this series at some point.
It's always nice to get another glimpse of Hawk and Adrienne. And although I enjoyed the stories that come after this, especially the MacKeltar's, I always wished there had been a book for Quinn, and also Hawks and Grimm's children.
Update 05/24/2021
My love for this book knows no bounds. I still love it. I totally forgot how funny it could be at times. My favorite moment was when Grimm went home for the first time in 15 years. That exchange had me letting out an abrupt, surprised laugh.
Update 9/11/14: Yes I have read it again. I love this book, this series, and this author. I always seem to forget how good it is until I read it again.
Reread 06/26/13
I love this book, this author, this series.
Of course we know Grimm from Beyond the Highland Mist, and this book we got to get his HEA.
Jillian has been in love with Grimm ever since she was a kid, but he left her years ago. Now her parents feel its time for her to finally get married, so they send for three men whom they think will challenge her. Grimm of course is one of those men.
Grim/Gavrael has vowed to never get married, because of what he is and how their are people hunting him because of it, but his feelings for Jillian shakes his resolve.
The journey to their HEA is often hilarious and filled with a lot of will clashing. They are both strong willed and they both know what they want.
Another good thing is we get to see what's going on with Hawk and Adrienne.
I love this book, I've done several rereads over the years of all published books by KMM up until a new one comes out, which it just did. She recently released The House at Watch Hill at the beginning of this month.
I love the banter between Jillian and Grimm and then Grimm and Balder later in the book. I always forget how much I laugh when reading this. This book puts me in my happy place, but I probably have said that about all the books in this series at some point.
It's always nice to get another glimpse of Hawk and Adrienne. And although I enjoyed the stories that come after this, especially the MacKeltar's, I always wished there had been a book for Quinn, and also Hawks and Grimm's children.
Update 05/24/2021
My love for this book knows no bounds. I still love it. I totally forgot how funny it could be at times. My favorite moment was when Grimm went home for the first time in 15 years. That exchange had me letting out an abrupt, surprised laugh.
Update 9/11/14: Yes I have read it again. I love this book, this series, and this author. I always seem to forget how good it is until I read it again.
Reread 06/26/13
I love this book, this author, this series.
Of course we know Grimm from Beyond the Highland Mist, and this book we got to get his HEA.
Jillian has been in love with Grimm ever since she was a kid, but he left her years ago. Now her parents feel its time for her to finally get married, so they send for three men whom they think will challenge her. Grimm of course is one of those men.
Grim/Gavrael has vowed to never get married, because of what he is and how their are people hunting him because of it, but his feelings for Jillian shakes his resolve.
The journey to their HEA is often hilarious and filled with a lot of will clashing. They are both strong willed and they both know what they want.
Another good thing is we get to see what's going on with Hawk and Adrienne.
June 28, 2011
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To Tame a Highland Warrior -
The second book in this series, I have to say was maybe a little better than the first. I loved the berserker aspect. I thought it was HAWT, but I wish he used his berserker just a little more. I didn’t even see Grim portrayed as anything than a butler in the first book so I was completely taken off guard when it was revealed he was a berserker.
So Grimm turned Berserker at a very young age and with a huge fear of hurting the ones he loved, purposely built no physical attachments to anyone. Grimm is called back to his Foster home to watch over and ensure the safety of the daughter of the man he called his father. Unbeknown to him he is actually in the running to win the heart of Jillian St. Clair.
Grimm and Jillian clash like cats and dogs! And somehow Jillian ends every conversation with the three words ‘I hate you!’
Both characters were great and funny – one minute they hate each other the next they question their feelings. In the end you could have cut the tension with a knife!
So when these two finally do get down and dirty – oh baby, its BERSERKER STYLE!
I felt the story lingered a long time of them both wanting each other but not actually acting on it. Tortured heroes are always great, but I think the veil needed to be lifted a little sooner in this one.
So what didn’t I like about the book? I hated that Grimm just assumed that Jillian wouldn’t love him if she knew what he really was. He just assumed he would lose control of his berserker and hurt her like his father presumable hurt his mother. Which leads me to my next cry baby whinge – he made WAYYY to many assumptions without thinking things thru. I was pissed thru a lot of the book thinking he needed to just get of his pedal stool and ask some questions.
Oh and this one is the only one in the series so far that I have read that didn’t involve time travel.
Otherwise a well written story, with only better books to come.
To Tame a Highland Warrior -
The second book in this series, I have to say was maybe a little better than the first. I loved the berserker aspect. I thought it was HAWT, but I wish he used his berserker just a little more. I didn’t even see Grim portrayed as anything than a butler in the first book so I was completely taken off guard when it was revealed he was a berserker.
So Grimm turned Berserker at a very young age and with a huge fear of hurting the ones he loved, purposely built no physical attachments to anyone. Grimm is called back to his Foster home to watch over and ensure the safety of the daughter of the man he called his father. Unbeknown to him he is actually in the running to win the heart of Jillian St. Clair.
Grimm and Jillian clash like cats and dogs! And somehow Jillian ends every conversation with the three words ‘I hate you!’
Both characters were great and funny – one minute they hate each other the next they question their feelings. In the end you could have cut the tension with a knife!
So when these two finally do get down and dirty – oh baby, its BERSERKER STYLE!
I felt the story lingered a long time of them both wanting each other but not actually acting on it. Tortured heroes are always great, but I think the veil needed to be lifted a little sooner in this one.
So what didn’t I like about the book? I hated that Grimm just assumed that Jillian wouldn’t love him if she knew what he really was. He just assumed he would lose control of his berserker and hurt her like his father presumable hurt his mother. Which leads me to my next cry baby whinge – he made WAYYY to many assumptions without thinking things thru. I was pissed thru a lot of the book thinking he needed to just get of his pedal stool and ask some questions.
Oh and this one is the only one in the series so far that I have read that didn’t involve time travel.
Otherwise a well written story, with only better books to come.
December 3, 2009
A re-read (listened to audiobook). A fun installment in the series, and I remember absolutely loving it the first time I read it a few years ago, but after re-reading books 4-7 last month (Kiss, Dark, Immortal and Spell), this one just didn't seam to be able to compare. Still, a really fun and sexy highlander story.
August 12, 2009
[Audiobook: "To Tame A Highland Warrior" by Karen Marie Moning; Phil Gigante/Reader = 5*]
The first time I did the "skim" on this book and wasn't too interested in reading it completely, and now I realize I was probably just taking a nose-dive on the series as a whole after starting it at "The Kiss of the Highlander," an absolute favorite. After KOTH, I read through the end of the series, went back and read "The Highlander's Touch," which was just "okay" for me. Then read "Beyond the Highland Mist, another "just okay." So this book (which was supposed to be second in the series, but really has nothing whatsoever to do with the "main" storyline started at KOTH for the most part to me), was cast aside as probably just another "okay" book. Now I realize it was just getting rejected out-of-hand, when compared to the 4 and 5 star reads from KOTH forward. Boy am I glad I finally picked it up on a 3 for 2 credit sale at audible.com. I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book, and naturally, it was made all the more entertaining by the hottest male narrator going, Phil Gigante. (If only he would read the tax codes . . . my job would be so much more pleasant! ;) This turned out to be one of the best "beauty and the beast" storylines I've read to date, the best part being "the beast" is really handsome, rather than an ugly beast, which I consider a MUCH better visual! ;)
As a 14-year old victim of a rival Scottish Highland clan that is determined to wipe-out Grimm's existence, along with his village and relatives, Grimm learns of his fate to go through life as a "berserker." Berserkers are Scottish folklore warrior's rumored to have incredible powers of skill, strength, hearing and eyesight, and actually go through a physical metamorphosis bodily to become twice their size (which is already a big, beefy highlander) -- a "beast" basically. At the height of the attack, Grimm has his first experience of "the beast inside” making an appearance and aids in single-handedly putting an end to the slaughter. Through shear overwhelming power, that he finds strange and out-of-control," his family's enemy is driven back, but not before taking a tragic toll on his village and life. Grimm returns to his home after the experience to discover his parents’ fate, only to find his blood-splattered father leaning over the bloodied corpse of his mother, knife in hand. On first sight, Grimm immediately recognizes his father also has the "curse of the beast" and assumes the worst: That his father lost control and killed his mother while under his "beastly" berserker influence. Grimm, devastated and disgusted by what’s inside of him, runs away, vowing to never return or acknowledge his family again. While destitute, starving, and barely surviving in the woods, a young girl comes upon Grimm, and immediately implores her parents to take Grimm under their wing and foster him. Grimm is immediately taken with the little girl, Jillian, and they grow up together happily until Grimm realizes he's falling for the beautiful and blossoming Jillian. At 22 he leaves the 16 year old Jillian behind, as he fears the "curse of his beast" will end up hurting her as his father did his mother. Jillian is crushed, as she has known that she's in love with Grimm for a very long time, and she feels ultimately rejected by his abandonment.
Six years later, Jillian, refusing to marry, is on the verge of spinsterhood and her parents have concocted a plot to reunite Grimm, along with two other possible suitors to force her to accept a marriage proposal from one. Grimm returns under the guise of a note from her father stating "Jillian needs you." Having vowed to always protect her, he can’t get back to her fast enough, only to do a 180 and completely reject her and his feelings again, shoving her toward the other two men who’ve arrived as well. And once again he’s begun the process of crushing her completely.
These two can’t stop “hating to love each other.” I’m not sure how much was KMM’s writing (always good for me) or Phil’s reading (again, more than “yummy”), but I’m so glad I gave this last book in one of my favorite series another shot. My usual “heart-pang” is the test of any romance novel that is a worthy read for me (multiple heart-pangs on this one), and when added to an interesting “fairytale” romance, I can’t lose. Plus I was treated to some of KMM’s trademark humor she did so well in the other books. She also ties the story in nicely with the H/h from “Beyond the Highland Mist,” not a fav for me, but still a decent book. If all of that wasn’t enough, Grimm and Jillian are just two really likeable people, despite all their “bickering,” which is really good writing, since I normally hate that kind of romance. Here, KMM included enough thoughts of love and reasoning for each of the characters actions, that I understood all their emotions and insecurities. A good solid love story. I’m glad I didn’t miss a “last” possible visit for me to the Scottish highlanders of KMM! [*sigh*:]
K.
The first time I did the "skim" on this book and wasn't too interested in reading it completely, and now I realize I was probably just taking a nose-dive on the series as a whole after starting it at "The Kiss of the Highlander," an absolute favorite. After KOTH, I read through the end of the series, went back and read "The Highlander's Touch," which was just "okay" for me. Then read "Beyond the Highland Mist, another "just okay." So this book (which was supposed to be second in the series, but really has nothing whatsoever to do with the "main" storyline started at KOTH for the most part to me), was cast aside as probably just another "okay" book. Now I realize it was just getting rejected out-of-hand, when compared to the 4 and 5 star reads from KOTH forward. Boy am I glad I finally picked it up on a 3 for 2 credit sale at audible.com. I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book, and naturally, it was made all the more entertaining by the hottest male narrator going, Phil Gigante. (If only he would read the tax codes . . . my job would be so much more pleasant! ;) This turned out to be one of the best "beauty and the beast" storylines I've read to date, the best part being "the beast" is really handsome, rather than an ugly beast, which I consider a MUCH better visual! ;)
As a 14-year old victim of a rival Scottish Highland clan that is determined to wipe-out Grimm's existence, along with his village and relatives, Grimm learns of his fate to go through life as a "berserker." Berserkers are Scottish folklore warrior's rumored to have incredible powers of skill, strength, hearing and eyesight, and actually go through a physical metamorphosis bodily to become twice their size (which is already a big, beefy highlander) -- a "beast" basically. At the height of the attack, Grimm has his first experience of "the beast inside” making an appearance and aids in single-handedly putting an end to the slaughter. Through shear overwhelming power, that he finds strange and out-of-control," his family's enemy is driven back, but not before taking a tragic toll on his village and life. Grimm returns to his home after the experience to discover his parents’ fate, only to find his blood-splattered father leaning over the bloodied corpse of his mother, knife in hand. On first sight, Grimm immediately recognizes his father also has the "curse of the beast" and assumes the worst: That his father lost control and killed his mother while under his "beastly" berserker influence. Grimm, devastated and disgusted by what’s inside of him, runs away, vowing to never return or acknowledge his family again. While destitute, starving, and barely surviving in the woods, a young girl comes upon Grimm, and immediately implores her parents to take Grimm under their wing and foster him. Grimm is immediately taken with the little girl, Jillian, and they grow up together happily until Grimm realizes he's falling for the beautiful and blossoming Jillian. At 22 he leaves the 16 year old Jillian behind, as he fears the "curse of his beast" will end up hurting her as his father did his mother. Jillian is crushed, as she has known that she's in love with Grimm for a very long time, and she feels ultimately rejected by his abandonment.
Six years later, Jillian, refusing to marry, is on the verge of spinsterhood and her parents have concocted a plot to reunite Grimm, along with two other possible suitors to force her to accept a marriage proposal from one. Grimm returns under the guise of a note from her father stating "Jillian needs you." Having vowed to always protect her, he can’t get back to her fast enough, only to do a 180 and completely reject her and his feelings again, shoving her toward the other two men who’ve arrived as well. And once again he’s begun the process of crushing her completely.
These two can’t stop “hating to love each other.” I’m not sure how much was KMM’s writing (always good for me) or Phil’s reading (again, more than “yummy”), but I’m so glad I gave this last book in one of my favorite series another shot. My usual “heart-pang” is the test of any romance novel that is a worthy read for me (multiple heart-pangs on this one), and when added to an interesting “fairytale” romance, I can’t lose. Plus I was treated to some of KMM’s trademark humor she did so well in the other books. She also ties the story in nicely with the H/h from “Beyond the Highland Mist,” not a fav for me, but still a decent book. If all of that wasn’t enough, Grimm and Jillian are just two really likeable people, despite all their “bickering,” which is really good writing, since I normally hate that kind of romance. Here, KMM included enough thoughts of love and reasoning for each of the characters actions, that I understood all their emotions and insecurities. A good solid love story. I’m glad I didn’t miss a “last” possible visit for me to the Scottish highlanders of KMM! [*sigh*:]
K.
January 28, 2019
Bueno... dejaré algunas frases para que entiendan mi calificación y, seguramente, cuando esté un poco mejor de salud les cuente por que este libro es pretencioso (quiere ser una novela histórica fantástica con un desaprovechado montón de research motológico por parte de la autora) un cliché con patas, maqueteado, con diálogos falsos, cursi, sin romance (las escenas de cama no tienen más que calentoneo y mordidas en las nalgas, pero cero intimidad), con una mitología viciada (la leyenda es mmmm) y un problema padre hijo bien estúpido.
Debo reconocer, hidalgamente, que Quinn y su perfección cabelleresca me pareció agradable, al igual que Ronin, el padre del protagonista. Además,me veo en la obligación de mencionar que la autora no tiene un mal oficio, pero, lamentablemente, es afectado y, en muchos momentos, hasta remilgado en su intento de que parezca que la historia es romántica y sensible. Por estas últimas razones, le libro tiene un estrella y no cero xD!
Vamos con las perlitas literarias...
"Horas más tarde, una Jillian saciada yacía en un charco de satisfacción en su cama."
Guak, guak, guak, eso del "saciada" y del "charco" me dieron ñañaras... hartas... Y déjenme decirles que no tiene nada que ver con negar el derecho de la mujer a experimentar gozosamente su sexualidad y decir que la encuentra rica , sino con que la imagen es GUAK para mi, como pegote y desagradable.
¿Por qué esta autora le da con que el tamaño Si importa y todos su héroes son potente y admirablemente dotados?
"Se levantaba ante ella como la naturaleza lo había modelado: un guerrero poderoso con ángulos duros y planos musculosos. Su mirada se dejó caer más abajo y se fijó en lo que seguramente debía haber sido el regalo más abundante que le había dado la naturaleza. Ella se mojó los labios, un gesto mudo de deseo, ignorante del efecto que tenía en él."
Aclárenme una cosa, ¿por qué encuentran sexy que tu "enamorado sensual" (mino rico en Chile) te llame "muchacha" ? Onda, ¿Que? ¿Ah? En mi mente es como "Ven acá Muchacha metete a mi cama que te daré placer" ...
¿Es que a nadie le parece que es como el papy chulo reggetonero que te perrea al oído? ¿Ah?
Noooooo .... Noooo
¡Horror!
Interesante:nuestro héroe es un ser sensible quien, a pesar de ser medio bestia y rudo a morir (y tener la manía de pasarse la mano por el pelo), lee a Esopo, junta flores y notitas de amor en su libro y protege valientemente y (obvio, desde las sombras) a su amada (Obvio, en secreto y a quien rechaza por su bien) rubia y virginal (dos obvio) Jillian (quien, obvio, se muere por dejar de serlo y le pone harto empeño en lograrlo con resultados apoteósicos, con una "perfomance" de su parte impecable y una perdida de su "pureza" sin dolor ni nada, a pesar de el, también obvio, problema de la "grandeza" de su amado xD!). Pero aún así, a pesar de su aparente caballerosidad, de ser algo desvalido en la lucha contra sus "sentimiento" y que está destinado a amar salvajemente a un sola mujer en su vida ,es, a su vez y para más "perfección":
**Totalmente carnal blablabla
**Dios del sexo blablabla
**ardiente como una hoguera blabla
**salvaje, pero preocupado en el sexo (donde, como y cuando xD! Seguro!) blablabla
** mujeriego (le gustan las taberneras) blablabla
** gran miembro (que es así, según su poseedor, para "satisfacer a las mujeres") blablabla
**cuerpo escultura blablabla
**belleza de arcángel blablabla
** sonrisa cruel y labios sensuales blablabla
Bis Bis bis al infinito y más allá
Por la C*** W***, como decimos en Chile, O sea... O sea.. xD! Cómico a morir.
P.s. Olvidaba un dato súper importante el se llama Gavrael Roderick Icarus McIllioch... ICARUS ¿quién se llama ICARUS en los Highlands ¿ah? ¿ah? xD!
Supongo que la filosofía de la autora es que "lo que abunda no daña" xD! Lo cual, si bien puede servir en una trabajo para el cole, no funciona en un libro.
Lo peor, está puntuada en Goodreadd casi solo con 5 estrellas What? WHAT?
¿Cómo? El mundo está loco... o yo soy una estúpida....
Elijan la opción que más les guste ...
¡Piedad y Misericordia!
Debo reconocer, hidalgamente, que Quinn y su perfección cabelleresca me pareció agradable, al igual que Ronin, el padre del protagonista. Además,me veo en la obligación de mencionar que la autora no tiene un mal oficio, pero, lamentablemente, es afectado y, en muchos momentos, hasta remilgado en su intento de que parezca que la historia es romántica y sensible. Por estas últimas razones, le libro tiene un estrella y no cero xD!
Vamos con las perlitas literarias...
"Horas más tarde, una Jillian saciada yacía en un charco de satisfacción en su cama."
Guak, guak, guak, eso del "saciada" y del "charco" me dieron ñañaras... hartas... Y déjenme decirles que no tiene nada que ver con negar el derecho de la mujer a experimentar gozosamente su sexualidad y decir que la encuentra rica , sino con que la imagen es GUAK para mi, como pegote y desagradable.
¿Por qué esta autora le da con que el tamaño Si importa y todos su héroes son potente y admirablemente dotados?
"Se levantaba ante ella como la naturaleza lo había modelado: un guerrero poderoso con ángulos duros y planos musculosos. Su mirada se dejó caer más abajo y se fijó en lo que seguramente debía haber sido el regalo más abundante que le había dado la naturaleza. Ella se mojó los labios, un gesto mudo de deseo, ignorante del efecto que tenía en él."
Aclárenme una cosa, ¿por qué encuentran sexy que tu "enamorado sensual" (mino rico en Chile) te llame "muchacha" ? Onda, ¿Que? ¿Ah? En mi mente es como "Ven acá Muchacha metete a mi cama que te daré placer" ...
¿Es que a nadie le parece que es como el papy chulo reggetonero que te perrea al oído? ¿Ah?
Noooooo .... Noooo
¡Horror!
Interesante:nuestro héroe es un ser sensible quien, a pesar de ser medio bestia y rudo a morir (y tener la manía de pasarse la mano por el pelo), lee a Esopo, junta flores y notitas de amor en su libro y protege valientemente y (obvio, desde las sombras) a su amada (Obvio, en secreto y a quien rechaza por su bien) rubia y virginal (dos obvio) Jillian (quien, obvio, se muere por dejar de serlo y le pone harto empeño en lograrlo con resultados apoteósicos, con una "perfomance" de su parte impecable y una perdida de su "pureza" sin dolor ni nada, a pesar de el, también obvio, problema de la "grandeza" de su amado xD!). Pero aún así, a pesar de su aparente caballerosidad, de ser algo desvalido en la lucha contra sus "sentimiento" y que está destinado a amar salvajemente a un sola mujer en su vida ,es, a su vez y para más "perfección":
**Totalmente carnal blablabla
**Dios del sexo blablabla
**ardiente como una hoguera blabla
**salvaje, pero preocupado en el sexo (donde, como y cuando xD! Seguro!) blablabla
** mujeriego (le gustan las taberneras) blablabla
** gran miembro (que es así, según su poseedor, para "satisfacer a las mujeres") blablabla
**cuerpo escultura blablabla
**belleza de arcángel blablabla
** sonrisa cruel y labios sensuales blablabla
Bis Bis bis al infinito y más allá
Por la C*** W***, como decimos en Chile, O sea... O sea.. xD! Cómico a morir.
P.s. Olvidaba un dato súper importante el se llama Gavrael Roderick Icarus McIllioch... ICARUS ¿quién se llama ICARUS en los Highlands ¿ah? ¿ah? xD!
Supongo que la filosofía de la autora es que "lo que abunda no daña" xD! Lo cual, si bien puede servir en una trabajo para el cole, no funciona en un libro.
Lo peor, está puntuada en Goodreadd casi solo con 5 estrellas What? WHAT?
¿Cómo? El mundo está loco... o yo soy una estúpida....
Elijan la opción que más les guste ...
¡Piedad y Misericordia!
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