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Highland Captive
New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell breathes life into the enchanting beauty of the Scottish Highlands in this epic romance between a strong-willed captor and the striking young woman he both confines and protects . . . The windswept Scottish Highlands hold great beauty, but also great danger. So when Aimil Mengue is abducted by a feuding clan, she is right to fear for her life—and her virtue. For Aimil’s keeper is the infamous warrior Parlan MacGuin. Aimil sets out to hate him, but Parlan is more honorable—and infinitely more alluring—than expected. Though betrothed to another, Aimil cannot deny her startling desire for the man who holds her captive... Parlan MacGuin knows well his reputation as a fierce warrior; he uses it to claim land and lovers. But beautiful Aimil is a different type of conquest. Now Parlan feels an unfamiliar longing for the woman he keeps at ransom as their forbidden passion threatens to spark an unstoppable blood feud—or forever fill their hearts . . .
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 1990
187 people are currently reading
3230 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,644 followersHannah 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
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
May 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this highland romance and its kick-ass heroine. Too bad the ending had to turn her into a TSTL character in order to get the final conflict with the mustache-twirling villain of the story. But that's par for the course in this genre.
October 5, 2020
No me gusto, fue demasiado largo para lo poco que en realidad paso en la historia, había partes que de desarrollaban muy lentas y flojas, y otras muy apresuradas y sin sentido. El romance pues fue mehh, predecible y de lo mas normalucho.
March 25, 2021
⭐
Do I hate this book? Yes. Do I regret finishing it? Yes. Do I feel so angry right now that I wish I could kill every man in this book? Definitely yes. So you may wonder why would I spend a couple of days reading a book that made me feel all of this negative feelings. That was simply because I was curious of what was going to happen to the bad guy and how will it happen.
Just like the first book that I read by this author, the heroine was witty and strong but the men in this book ruined my enjoyment from the beginning till the end. All of them were disgusting especially the H at the beginning.
Basically, this book is about a horny guy who slept with a woman two days before meeting the heroine and when he did met the h, he decided that he will have her so he tells her to choose between herself or her horse even though he knew by doing this, he is ruining the woman reputation all bc he doesn't want to waste his time in seducing her. And of course just like the previous book, the heroine proved to be an idiot by getting out of the safe place all bc she was bored for not being able to ride her horse even though she knew there was a man lurking outside waiting to capture, rape and kill her.
You would think taking my time to read this book would make me less angry but on the contrary, every time I picked this book I hated it more.
Do I hate this book? Yes. Do I regret finishing it? Yes. Do I feel so angry right now that I wish I could kill every man in this book? Definitely yes. So you may wonder why would I spend a couple of days reading a book that made me feel all of this negative feelings. That was simply because I was curious of what was going to happen to the bad guy and how will it happen.
Just like the first book that I read by this author, the heroine was witty and strong but the men in this book ruined my enjoyment from the beginning till the end. All of them were disgusting especially the H at the beginning.
Basically, this book is about a horny guy who slept with a woman two days before meeting the heroine and when he did met the h, he decided that he will have her so he tells her to choose between herself or her horse even though he knew by doing this, he is ruining the woman reputation all bc he doesn't want to waste his time in seducing her. And of course just like the previous book, the heroine proved to be an idiot by getting out of the safe place all bc she was bored for not being able to ride her horse even though she knew there was a man lurking outside waiting to capture, rape and kill her.
You would think taking my time to read this book would make me less angry but on the contrary, every time I picked this book I hated it more.
April 6, 2022
This is set in Scotland in the 1500’s Black Parlan MacGuin is a highland Laird when his younger wastrel brother whilst out raiding captures Aimil and Leith Mengue lowland neighbours of there's it nearly ends in disaster. Now captives of the Macguins Parlan plans to ransom them back to their father. But he is equally struck by the young female disguised as a lad and her spirited mount Elfking. Wanting her horse as well as Aimil in his bed and not having the patience for a long seduction Parlan makes her a bargain he’ll leave the horse alone if she agrees to grace his sheets.
This is another oldie but a goodie I initially read this when it was Elfkings Lady I own the paperback and it’s a well-loved one as I’ve reread it numerous times. It’s definitely representative of the time it was written and is pretty typical of romance books written in the 90s and some of the behaviour of the characters involved definitely borders the questionable.
The hero the Laird of the MacGuin’s is a typical 90’s romance hero and some of the stuff that comes out of his mouth like when he’s finally professing his love for the heroine Aimil Mengue was a bit did you just say that really? he was also a bit of a man whore: this was pre Aimil but he is faithful once he meets her then this lurid past does keep resurfacing and impacting the present as there are now a lot of unhappy females with Parlan off the market. Parlan does recognise that it’s not something to be proud of and this gets a pass from me mostly because of it all being pretty typical of its era.
There’s the usual danger and romance and some other woman drama and this does also have the hero with this woman in the first few chapters prior to meeting the heroine. I find this is quite a prevalent scene in many 90’s historical romances. You should also note that Parlan doesn’t encourage this OW in any way in fact he wants nothing to do with her it was also a one-time thing.
There’s a murderous betrothed hellbent on a mission of revenge with conniving plots aplenty from him. Lots of dearlings and sweetlings thrown in for good measure which I actually found quite endearing. The romance and chemistry here I found satisfying and believable.Aimil was a likeable character though I did sometimes think she let things go too easily, especially in regards to forgiving other's questionable behaviour.
Overall though this is a good read but you do need to take it in the spirit it was intended. It’s slightly dated and definitely chauvinistic. There are also strange ideas that would have been held during this time period making twenty-first-century rules slightly redundant but it is enjoyable and when I first read this it would definitely have been a five-star experience for me. My tastes have evolved since then so It does lose a star now just because of things I’ve noticed since that weren’t on my original radar (that love declaration for one was slightly problematic I never picked up on that when I first read this). But it is still very much a firm favourite despite and also maybe because of these nit-picks. My nostalgia is definitely off the charts with this one but be aware it’s definitely not a politically correct one that’s for sure.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 23, 2015
For the life of me, I couldn't get into this book. Nothing tangible(I'm a meat& potatoes type of gal), and so utterly, emotionally bereft, I felt more of a connection to the horse, than any of the poorly constructed characters. It all felt very contrived and rushed, and I like time set aside for development.
Sorry, this is not a rant; it's a note to myself.
Sorry, this is not a rant; it's a note to myself.
March 5, 2025
2.75 not bad stars.
I finally found a book by Hannah Howell that kept my interest.
This book was published in 1990, so it has themes from that era of historical romance, some of which are present in current HRs.
- The heroine is very young, 17, and the hero is in his 30's.
- The hero, Parlan, sleeps with other women towards the beginning of the book. He stops when he realizes that he only desires the heroine, Aimil. So there's OW drama.
- I was surprised at how early the hero and heroine
- There are multiple POVs ("head hopping") in the same chapter.
- The heroine is captured and beaten by the villain. I was hoping she'd be rescued before she got abused. I don't know if the villain whipped her because I stopped listening to this scene.
- Months later, the heroine has a TSTL moment. Idiots!
- Fortunately, there's no third-act breakup since they gotta deal with the villain. The villain is ravin' mad!
I finally found a book by Hannah Howell that kept my interest.
This book was published in 1990, so it has themes from that era of historical romance, some of which are present in current HRs.
- The heroine is very young, 17, and the hero is in his 30's.
- The hero, Parlan, sleeps with other women towards the beginning of the book. He stops when he realizes that he only desires the heroine, Aimil. So there's OW drama.
- I was surprised at how early the hero and heroine
- There are multiple POVs ("head hopping") in the same chapter.
- The heroine is captured and beaten by the villain. I was hoping she'd be rescued before she got abused. I don't know if the villain whipped her because I stopped listening to this scene.
- Months later, the heroine has a TSTL moment. Idiots!
- Fortunately, there's no third-act breakup since they gotta deal with the villain. The villain is ravin' mad!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2010
I enjoyed Aimil and Parlan as individual characters, but as a couple they just didn’t work for me. And while I liked the story, I didn’t love it, which surprised me based on the overall Goodreads ratings. I never felt that deep connection that I like to experience, and even with the crazy fiancé chasing them around, I didn’t really feel the emotional attachment or concerns for them that I should have.
I found the writing style unique, but also difficult to understand due to the heavy usage of the Scottish brogue. It’s not a bad thing; it was just hard for me to get used to and, made the story sluggish - it didn't read easily or flow well. I’m not giving up on Howell just yet, and hopefully by the time I’m into the next book I’ll find that it’s easier to concentrate on the story and not have to focus so hard on the words and what they might mean.
I had a tough time with this. I wanted to finish it, and I did, but I had a difficult time because it didn't hold my attention and I was always tempted to set it aside to read something else.
January 31, 2020
I read this book for pleasure. I didn't take notes like I usually do when I read, therefore, this review is off the cuff. I found Aimil and Parlan's love story captivating, though, at times, the give and take between them seemed one sided. The love blossoming between Aimil and Parlan was enjoyable to witness. The interplay between the characters reminded me of a chess game. Parlan and Lachlan, Aimil's father, played a deep game. What I grew to find incomprehensible is the number of times Parlan and Aimil were exposed to the villain. Foolish chances taken which common sense would warn a character against. On the other hand, one of the fiction elements is conflict. The story doesn't move along without conflict. There was definitely conflict between the protagonists and antagonist. There are adult situations written in this book.
September 5, 2023
3.25🌟 I really enjoyed the feisty, kick ass heroine.
Safe
Safe
October 27, 2021
It was solidly written and I enjoyed the spunky heroine, however, I feel like the book should have been over at like 55% and it just continued stretching endlessly.
August 26, 2019
I cannot read beyond page 143. There's something that's about to happen in the plot that's a stupid thing for the heroine to do, and she knows it, and yet says that the person who's suggesting she do it is right in his reasoning. The reasoning is terrible. And the fact that the author has to *insist* that it's the right thing to do for the heroine is just shoddy plotting. Oh, and there's ABSOLUTELY NO REASON WHY THE HERO CAN'T HAVE MARRIED THE HEROINE from, like, the meet cute. In other words, the external obstacles are forced, and the internal obstacles are nonexistent.
Also, it's poorly written. To heighten the problem, the Scots accent is forced, fake, and gives me a headache to read. "Ye verra weel ken. Nae, I ken nae weel." There's a way to hint at the accent with a few well-chosen words, and the very rhythm of the language, without making it cumbersome (and unrealistic).
Also, it's poorly written. To heighten the problem, the Scots accent is forced, fake, and gives me a headache to read. "Ye verra weel ken. Nae, I ken nae weel." There's a way to hint at the accent with a few well-chosen words, and the very rhythm of the language, without making it cumbersome (and unrealistic).
February 9, 2010
This is the same book as Elking's Lady, it was released under a different name in 2008. Love the book. Would totally recommend it. Funny, romantic, suspenseful. Reminds me of early Julie Garland.
August 19, 2010
This thing reads like someone's outline of a book. Incredibly wooden. I think my 7 year old daughter could write a better story.
March 1, 2022
I got this in an Audible sale, and this is my first from this author. I'm not sure if I will read any others from her, while the story was engaging enough, there are so many books in this troupe and theme that this one did not grab me like other have.
The narration was fine, but not great. And with narrator and stories like these some times I struggle with all the names. It took me a while to remember them all and there were several that sounded the same so it took more concentration than normal.
I didn't and normally don't have the problem most reviews have about the male sleeping with someone else before he meets the main female, which happens in this story and the other woman obviously creates some drama.
I enjoyed Aimil(17), her spirit and determination. There is a comment in the book made by Parlan lamenting the fact that women these days don't know how to do the things Aimil is able to do, which made me laugh a bit, since it is BECAUSE of males that females didn't know how to do things, b/c they didn't allow them or punished them when they did.
Parlan (28) (also sounded like Harlan and Farlan depending on how the narrator said it), it was strange to me in the first part of the book how barbaric the men were, as soon as they saw a female they charged to hump her, like they'd never see one in their life before and had not idea how to act, that was a bit over the top. And Parlan, for all his talk about being a great man towards women and not abusing them sure was manipulative towards Aimil. Once he was with her I was ok with him and their relationship.
The other thing that made me sake my head in this story is that she is his captive for over 4 months and they'd been together for most of that time, and not once is there a mention of her menstrual cycle, so when the old healer says something I was glad, I was a little fearful that the author had just swept that part of biology out the window.
The narration was fine, but not great. And with narrator and stories like these some times I struggle with all the names. It took me a while to remember them all and there were several that sounded the same so it took more concentration than normal.
I didn't and normally don't have the problem most reviews have about the male sleeping with someone else before he meets the main female, which happens in this story and the other woman obviously creates some drama.
I enjoyed Aimil(17), her spirit and determination. There is a comment in the book made by Parlan lamenting the fact that women these days don't know how to do the things Aimil is able to do, which made me laugh a bit, since it is BECAUSE of males that females didn't know how to do things, b/c they didn't allow them or punished them when they did.
Parlan (28) (also sounded like Harlan and Farlan depending on how the narrator said it), it was strange to me in the first part of the book how barbaric the men were, as soon as they saw a female they charged to hump her, like they'd never see one in their life before and had not idea how to act, that was a bit over the top. And Parlan, for all his talk about being a great man towards women and not abusing them sure was manipulative towards Aimil. Once he was with her I was ok with him and their relationship.
The other thing that made me sake my head in this story is that she is his captive for over 4 months and they'd been together for most of that time, and not once is there a mention of her menstrual cycle, so when the old healer says something I was glad, I was a little fearful that the author had just swept that part of biology out the window.
July 7, 2023
Get to the point. This book could have and should have been about 100 pages shorter. The author restates what the character said as if we don’t understand context clues. Also I felt no passion between FMC AND MMC. It’s free on audible rn and I couldn’t decide what to read next which is why I finished it.
January 23, 2023
Only accepting progressive Scottish Lairds from here on out!!! This book had quite a few tropes I typically don’t enjoy (*cough* pregnancy *cough*) but I honestly did not care because Parlan can do no wrong! Aimil was the best main character from start to finish. Took no crap, gave no F’s, and broke every rule. If you’re looking for a surprisingly intense, somewhat trashy romance, this is it.
“I ken well that we are a pair ‘til our bones are naught but dust.”
“I ken well that we are a pair ‘til our bones are naught but dust.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2020
This novel has it all. Familial bonding, romance and sex, intrigue and mystery, crime and punishment.
A very good read.
A very good read.
February 24, 2016
4.5 Stars
Hannah Howell is an amazing romance author. I've enjoyed every historical romance I have read of hers. This one was no exception.
Ms. Howell knows how to write characters. Her heroes are always brave, strong, hunks. While her leading ladies are stubborn and willful women that know their minds.
Aimil Mengue and her brother are captured by a powerful, rival laird, Parlan MacGuin. She makes a deal with him so that she may keep her horse (an animal she loves very dearly). What does she have to exchange for her horse? Well, sex, naturally lol That is usually how these books go. Anyway, they end up falling in love but Aimil isn't exactly a free lady, she is engaged to a sinister man who uses torture and fear to get what he wants (and these distasteful means bring him pleasure...)
The only think that kept be from giving this a for 5 starts is that it was predictable. It might have just been me since I have read A LOT of historical romance.
If you have not read a Hannah Howell book - you NEED to! :-)
Hannah Howell is an amazing romance author. I've enjoyed every historical romance I have read of hers. This one was no exception.
Ms. Howell knows how to write characters. Her heroes are always brave, strong, hunks. While her leading ladies are stubborn and willful women that know their minds.
Aimil Mengue and her brother are captured by a powerful, rival laird, Parlan MacGuin. She makes a deal with him so that she may keep her horse (an animal she loves very dearly). What does she have to exchange for her horse? Well, sex, naturally lol That is usually how these books go. Anyway, they end up falling in love but Aimil isn't exactly a free lady, she is engaged to a sinister man who uses torture and fear to get what he wants (and these distasteful means bring him pleasure...)
The only think that kept be from giving this a for 5 starts is that it was predictable. It might have just been me since I have read A LOT of historical romance.
If you have not read a Hannah Howell book - you NEED to! :-)
July 8, 2008
ELFKING's LADY - Okay
Howell, Hannah
Among the feuding Scottish clans of the Highlands, tales of Pierce Parlan MacGuin were legendary. So when lovely young Aimil was taken captive while riding the moors, she feared for both her life and her virtue. Parlan's gentle touch soon convinced her she would not be physically harmed, but his wildly thrilling kisses told her that her heart was in grave danger. Parlan had made it clear he meant to possess both Aimil and her magnificent white stallion, Eljking. A word from Aimil would give him mastery of the horse, but only love would tame…
It was only okay.
Howell, Hannah
Among the feuding Scottish clans of the Highlands, tales of Pierce Parlan MacGuin were legendary. So when lovely young Aimil was taken captive while riding the moors, she feared for both her life and her virtue. Parlan's gentle touch soon convinced her she would not be physically harmed, but his wildly thrilling kisses told her that her heart was in grave danger. Parlan had made it clear he meant to possess both Aimil and her magnificent white stallion, Eljking. A word from Aimil would give him mastery of the horse, but only love would tame…
It was only okay.
June 22, 2021
The last chapter RUINED THIS BOOK!
NOT A SPOILER: This book was chugging along pretty well if you overlook some standard problems (super-duper instalove, predictability, stupid choices all the way around) then at around the 95% mark, during the wrap-it-up speech, the hero tells the heroine (seriously) he can’t guarantee he won’t kill her if she’s ever unfaithful. Then he states, “As to faithful, I have been and I mean to do my best to stay faithful. I have no true interest in wenches … A man can be a weak creature though darling. The right touch, a weak moment… He shrugged.” Just NO!
NOT A SPOILER: This book was chugging along pretty well if you overlook some standard problems (super-duper instalove, predictability, stupid choices all the way around) then at around the 95% mark, during the wrap-it-up speech, the hero tells the heroine (seriously) he can’t guarantee he won’t kill her if she’s ever unfaithful. Then he states, “As to faithful, I have been and I mean to do my best to stay faithful. I have no true interest in wenches … A man can be a weak creature though darling. The right touch, a weak moment… He shrugged.” Just NO!
February 19, 2022
Love. Every. Minute
The story is really captivating, the story has many all great element of historical romance should have, love, thrill, humor, birth and so on. Oh my, Hannah Howell brought me a rollercoaster 🎢 ride, which mean I can’t get bored anywhere in the book. It’s hard not to fall in love with Aimil and Parlan, because the building of each character were such a delight to read. Many side characters like Aimil’s brother and Parlan’s brother were so good that they worth another series from this stand alone. All in all, 5stars without any question. Plus it’s my first book from Hannah and I have really high hope from her huge catalog I can enjoy. ❤️❤️❤️
The story is really captivating, the story has many all great element of historical romance should have, love, thrill, humor, birth and so on. Oh my, Hannah Howell brought me a rollercoaster 🎢 ride, which mean I can’t get bored anywhere in the book. It’s hard not to fall in love with Aimil and Parlan, because the building of each character were such a delight to read. Many side characters like Aimil’s brother and Parlan’s brother were so good that they worth another series from this stand alone. All in all, 5stars without any question. Plus it’s my first book from Hannah and I have really high hope from her huge catalog I can enjoy. ❤️❤️❤️
February 14, 2010
4.5 rating. I really liked this book. Recommend to those who like Julie Garwood and Monica McCarty highlander books.
January 1, 2017
Have been in a rereading kind of mood.
Reread May 2012.
Reread June 2014.
Reread January 15, 2016.
Reread May 2012.
Reread June 2014.
Reread January 15, 2016.
May 21, 2025
still a favourite
October 11, 2024
This definitely showed its age - so many of the tropes in here have fallen out of favor. But it was an engaging romance with a little action and mystery
May 9, 2021
I. Could. Not. Stand. The fem MC later in the book. It started out so good. Very interesting and charming and different. But once again, the book was too long. It started dragging around the halfway mark and the amusing banter between the MCs became incessant quibbling and the fem MC showed herself to be naïve beyond the point of logic and incredibly selfish, incapable of planning, reckless, and bull-headed enough for two of her. She argued with the male MC about the smallest things when it came to her safety and regularly went against his orders and ended up being in danger more times than not. It was foolishness. I’ve never encountered a more damsel in distress fem MC in my life. Though she didn’t always need rescuing per se, she was nearly always in some kind of peril. If she had just listened to the male MC only half the time a great deal of the shenanigans could have been avoided. She also put other people’s lives at risk at least twice in addition to the life of her unborn child. She was very lucky to have such a powerful, dedicated family and boo thang at her back or she would have been dead 10x over. Honestly, the acts of heroism as she escaped the jaws of death by a hairsbreadth again and again and again and again got old and stale and eventually molded and rotted away. It was much.
I wasn’t convinced by the “romance”. I got more of the feeling of a wild girl and her exasperated but affectionate guardian, who she occasionally boned. What about the other made each MC “fall in love”?
In general, there was too much talking between characters and too much repetitive “action” when it came to the constantly tenuous safety of the fem MC. Meh.
I wasn’t convinced by the “romance”. I got more of the feeling of a wild girl and her exasperated but affectionate guardian, who she occasionally boned. What about the other made each MC “fall in love”?
In general, there was too much talking between characters and too much repetitive “action” when it came to the constantly tenuous safety of the fem MC. Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2020
By and 1515
They were royally screwed and she knew it and now they were stuck inside this cursed pit and her brother wasn't fairing very well.
Parlan MacGuin whom often refered as Black Parlan was a man who took what he wanted when ever he wanted and left when he was done.
He could have strangled his own people for leaving them in that pit for so long after all dead brats lead to big problems and no ransom.
Parlan cursed as they stood there watching he should have seen it sooner but he saw it now.
Aimil thought she'd miss heard him but no he repeated his dasterly proposition.
Her or her horse which did she value more or less?
At first he honestly thought he'd gained one magnificent horse but no she was gifting him with herself and Parlan was many things but a fool wasn't one of them.
However she'd do anything to save him even at the expense to herself as she made sure he escaped the clutches of her crazy fiancee.
She saved Parlan but now she had to try and save herself Aimil knew the man was touched by something that made him clearly deranged.
However she's blessed when someone takes pity on her and helps Aimil in her hour of need.
Now that her father truly understands the fact he almost gave her to a monster they can move forward with a new alliance with a better family.
Parlan had honestly thought the body was his but there were some who didn't believe it and demand proof and when the truth Is uncovered there realized that they were all still in danger.
They were royally screwed and she knew it and now they were stuck inside this cursed pit and her brother wasn't fairing very well.
Parlan MacGuin whom often refered as Black Parlan was a man who took what he wanted when ever he wanted and left when he was done.
He could have strangled his own people for leaving them in that pit for so long after all dead brats lead to big problems and no ransom.
Parlan cursed as they stood there watching he should have seen it sooner but he saw it now.
Aimil thought she'd miss heard him but no he repeated his dasterly proposition.
Her or her horse which did she value more or less?
At first he honestly thought he'd gained one magnificent horse but no she was gifting him with herself and Parlan was many things but a fool wasn't one of them.
However she'd do anything to save him even at the expense to herself as she made sure he escaped the clutches of her crazy fiancee.
She saved Parlan but now she had to try and save herself Aimil knew the man was touched by something that made him clearly deranged.
However she's blessed when someone takes pity on her and helps Aimil in her hour of need.
Now that her father truly understands the fact he almost gave her to a monster they can move forward with a new alliance with a better family.
Parlan had honestly thought the body was his but there were some who didn't believe it and demand proof and when the truth Is uncovered there realized that they were all still in danger.
March 8, 2020
Thanks so much to the publisher and Goodreads for the giveaway win!
This was the first book I have read by Hannah Howell and I wasn't disappointed. The characters are well developed and fun, while the story is engaging. During Laird Parlan's absence, his brother decides to do some unsanctioned raiding and comes back with two hostages. Erroneously believing both are young men, the hostages are thrown in a pit to await the laird's return. Aimil's brother, Leith, quickly becomes ill as his wounds are untreated. When Parlan returns, he is enraged to at the condition of the hostages. After all, you can't get a ransom from a dead hostage. He immediately has Leith's wounds treated and the hostages moved. It's not long before the younger lad is discovered to be a beautiful young woman in disguise. Aimil is quite naive and innocent, but also determined and strong willed. She has met her match in Parlan, a notorious rogue with an honorable, gentle side. I loved watching their relationship develop as the story unfolds. This definitely won't be my last by Hannah Howell. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
This was the first book I have read by Hannah Howell and I wasn't disappointed. The characters are well developed and fun, while the story is engaging. During Laird Parlan's absence, his brother decides to do some unsanctioned raiding and comes back with two hostages. Erroneously believing both are young men, the hostages are thrown in a pit to await the laird's return. Aimil's brother, Leith, quickly becomes ill as his wounds are untreated. When Parlan returns, he is enraged to at the condition of the hostages. After all, you can't get a ransom from a dead hostage. He immediately has Leith's wounds treated and the hostages moved. It's not long before the younger lad is discovered to be a beautiful young woman in disguise. Aimil is quite naive and innocent, but also determined and strong willed. She has met her match in Parlan, a notorious rogue with an honorable, gentle side. I loved watching their relationship develop as the story unfolds. This definitely won't be my last by Hannah Howell. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
May 4, 2024
I listened to the audio book of this book narrated by Ruth Urquhart. She was recommended to me as I was rereading another series that I wanted to listen to.
I fell in love with how she narrates books! And so now I just search for books that she narrates and I learn about new books.
This was one of them and I enjoyed it!
I do not think I can spell the names of the main characters, but this is a Highland romance - the female lead was abducted by the brother of an infamous Laird.
Of course the reputation was unfounded and he was furious with his brother. She was betrothed to a despicable man who was reputed to have killed many women. The dark reputation laird already hated Rory (the man she was betrothed to) and vowed to not let her marry him.
Although she is a prisoner, she really isn’t.
I’m not doing it justice but I enjoyed the unfolding relationship and the fight to keep her from marrying Rory.
An enjoyable listen!!.
I fell in love with how she narrates books! And so now I just search for books that she narrates and I learn about new books.
This was one of them and I enjoyed it!
I do not think I can spell the names of the main characters, but this is a Highland romance - the female lead was abducted by the brother of an infamous Laird.
Of course the reputation was unfounded and he was furious with his brother. She was betrothed to a despicable man who was reputed to have killed many women. The dark reputation laird already hated Rory (the man she was betrothed to) and vowed to not let her marry him.
Although she is a prisoner, she really isn’t.
I’m not doing it justice but I enjoyed the unfolding relationship and the fight to keep her from marrying Rory.
An enjoyable listen!!.
January 29, 2020
Highland Captive by Hannah Howell
I have always liked Hannah Howell and enjoyed her work. Highland Captive is no exception. First off I will have to admit that I am a sucker for just about any Highlander story. The subject itself takes me halfway there. Our hero is a feared warrior with a brutal reputation. The “Black Parlan” reputation is quickly put to rest as he turns out to be extremely fair and his brother is more the heartless one. The heroine is feisty but, My Sweet Lord, she is often as dumb as a box of rocks! How many times can a supposedly intelligent woman make the same mistake before she learns? She is kidnapped over and over and over because she appears to think a nice ride in the county is more important than anything and couldn't possibly be a problem. WTH?
All in all I liked the book while wondering where the heroines brain went.
I have always liked Hannah Howell and enjoyed her work. Highland Captive is no exception. First off I will have to admit that I am a sucker for just about any Highlander story. The subject itself takes me halfway there. Our hero is a feared warrior with a brutal reputation. The “Black Parlan” reputation is quickly put to rest as he turns out to be extremely fair and his brother is more the heartless one. The heroine is feisty but, My Sweet Lord, she is often as dumb as a box of rocks! How many times can a supposedly intelligent woman make the same mistake before she learns? She is kidnapped over and over and over because she appears to think a nice ride in the county is more important than anything and couldn't possibly be a problem. WTH?
All in all I liked the book while wondering where the heroines brain went.
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