Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

Title: Never Love a Highlander
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: October 25th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 327
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: In Bed With A Highlander & Seduction Of A Highland Lass
Age Group: Adult

Caelen McCabe's young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but protect her heart and her pride from another man's humiliation. Despite everything, the heat in Caelen's touch melts her defenses and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna's true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife's love is too precious to lose

This series was amazing. It had a spectacular beginning, a wonderful middle that moved the series along nicely, and now it had an epic ending. 

At first, I didn't like Rionna, just because I thought she might split Alaric and Keeley, and while she wasn't at fault, I still blamed her a little. But, near the ending I really started to appreciate it. She really did seem regretful at what almost happened. 

And like the other females, she's so strong. Finding out her dad's a jerk and sacrificing her freedom to marry the last McCabe brother that holds so much guilt on his shoulder for events that took place over eight years ago, and one who swore never to fall in love. 

Now, I really did have some issues with this book. First, because Caelen is holding something that happened long ago still haunt him to the day (but I get it because, I mean, his dad did die in that) but still, like, move on? Please? And I also found the issues with Duncan Cameron's reason for attacking the McCabe a little...eh, you can move on too, right? But, I'm guessing it all had to do with a pride thing, which makes me a little upset. I find that the Duncan Cameron being their enemy because of Mairin and what she'll inherit a little more believable, because its up to date and relevant.

But, anyways, back to this book. Caelen is given the McDonald clan, who are not very happy to have him as Laird and now he has to prove himself to them, as well as trying to take care of a wife who would rather be sword fighting than be a gentle lady. 

In this battle of both husband and wife trying to make each other into something that they're not, they learn from each other. 

I truly enjoyed this book and found the battle scene to be wonderful. The way things ended was surprising but very fitting to say the least. 

Banks proved to be a wonderful author from the very first book to the last. The brothers and their wives proving to be strong and stubborn and wonderfully romantic. I am so glad I was able to read this series.  

Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks

Title: Seduction of a Highland Lass
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 343
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: In Bed With A Highlander
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.

An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric's keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

I absolutely positively love this series. The brother's are too much for me, but I cannot get enough of them. They are like everyone's Highlander addiction, though I am still loyal to Jamie Fraser, I still have to give a little love to these men. 

Alaric I always liked a little. Caelen was always fierce and Ewan was always off trying to make sure the keep was put together, but Alaric fell in between, which I guess makes sense since he is the middle child. Anyways, there was always something tender but fierce about him that I liked and wanted more of. 

I was surprised at the way this book was heading and biting my nails throughout the entire thing. I could not imagine what it must have felt like having to decide between loyalty and following his heart. I was a little upset it took so damn long for him to make the decision, but it would make for a short book. 

What I mostly like is how the main drama from the first book carried over. The threat of Duncan Cameron is still a gray cloud over the McCabe's and obstacles that these brothers face were not what they were prepared for. 

I love this series because of the witty humor, the short tempered lasses, the stubborn men, and romance to last a lifetime. These type of books are almost getting predictable, but like most things it's the way they occur that makes the reading worthwhile. Banks brings in a new twist to a Highland love story that will forever go on. 

The character's are strong and stay true to themselves. Nothing more could be ask from a great tale with a lot of anticipated drama and little digs here and there from both sides to remind the reader's of the greater threat, that when it comes to blows, will be very worth it.

In Bed With A Highlander by Maya Banks

Title: In Bed With A Highlander
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: August 30th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 361
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Ewan, the eldest of the McCabe brothers, is a ruggedly powerful warrior. With the time ripe for battle, Ewan is poised to take back what is his --- until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust into his life.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that had made her a pawn --- and wary of love. But her attraction to Ewan McCabe makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch. Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons --- and embrace a love that means more than revenge or land.

Wow, when I first saw this book I knew I had to have it just because it had Highlander all over it. As most know, or should know by now, I just love Highland men, especially when I can peg those against Jamie Fraser, who somehow keeps coming back up on top. But, did Ewan come daringly close to stealing my heart. 

I love how the author shows both his hard and soft side. He's the type of man that will come at someone completely aggressive and threatening, but when getting on the right side he can be protective, loving, and like most Highland men I find in these romance novels he is also overbearing, stubborn, and in desperate need of a woman to break him out of his shell.

In strolls in Mairin. The illegitimate daughter of the deceased king she comes with a favorable dowry and land! Thus she has become the target for a very threatening and dangerous man, Duncan Cameron. Now, in order to escape his clutches, and in desperate need of money himself, Ewan takes Mairin.

But, she's about to prove to be the most difficult, uncooperative, and loving woman he has ever met.

The love between the two blossomed from the moment they met and reader's just can't help but smile at how cute they are. They aren't like couples who are in love that are just annoying; this is true, deep love that they share. I just how much Ewan wanted to throttle Mairin for being so difficult, yet if she were submissive I doubt he'd feel the same way about her. And is this woman bloodthirsty! She comes out with punishments that could make the strongest Highlander quiver.

Overall I love this story and I especially love how Banks drives her reader's crazy. I almost thought for a second the entire trilogy would take place for one thing, but apparently not.

And the love scenes between the two. Wow, Banks knows how to make love scenes like a mastermind.

I only wish this book had been longer, but I am so happy with the way events played out and how Banks showed Mairin's strong and difficult character throughout the whole thing. This will make for a spectacular series, I'm sure.