Book Review-Temptation Of A Highland Scoundrel

Temptation Of A Highland Scoundrel
Highland Warriors (2)
Sue Ellen Welfonder
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published August 2011
387 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-56177-8
Author's Website

Synopsis 
The second book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan doesn't take over their glen and cause destruction. At the same time, three women will plot to marry these heroes to help insure peace.

In TEMPTATION OF A HIGHLAND SCOUNDREL, Kendrew Macintosh's reputation precedes him: he wields an ax with deathly precision, strikes fear into his enemies, and lusts after beautiful women. But Kendrew has never met someone whose passion rivals his own-until an unexpected encounter with a mysterious woman. Unfortunately, he soon discovers that the vixen is Isobel Cameron, daughter of an enemy clansman. Their relationship is forbidden and Kendrew breaks away immediately. Isobel has her own scheme. She has lusted after Kendrew for some time and plans to draw the fierce warrior back into her arms. But in the darkness, villainous forces are at play--an enemy is determined to keep the two lovers apart, even if it means death.

My Review

Summary 
Isobel, has always had a strong attraction to Kendrew Macintosh, even though he has never looked twice at her, much to her disappointment. After the big battle that the King forced all three clans to fight, all three women, sat down together and made a vow to each other to ensure peace in the glen. Isobel knows that it is up to her, even though her new sister in law, might think she is a bit addled in the head in her attraction to Kendrew. After all he is known to be wild and a scoundrel of the worst kind. However all of his crazy qualities only attract Isobel to him more. He is like the wild winds, unstable and she never knows how he might react. She knows that Kendrew is her destiny, so she plans to go and seduce him, knowing that is the first step is proving to him how right she is for him. That they are destined to be together.  However she never realized that  how stubborn Kendrew would prove to be. Kendrew has some demons, and the last thing he would do is marry Isobel. But his attraction to her is undeniable and despite all of his good intentions to treat her like a lady, he finds himself slowly being drawn into her spell....one that eventually he will be unable to deny her anything.

The Hero (Kendrew Macintosh)
Kendew, as laird of his clan, lives in the most cold and treacherous part of the glen. He knows he will never marry, he could never do that to any proper young woman. He wouldn't be so cruel to do so. However Isobel and her machinations endeavor to defeat all of his good intentions. He also feels guilty having losing his mother at a young age and blaming himself for the deed. So now many years later, the last thing he would ever do is put Isobel in danger. However the passion for her is something he can't resist for long, and before he fully realizes it, is that she had him from the first magical night they spent together.

The Heroine (Isobel Cameron)
Isobel, as sister to James Cameron, isn't any shy miss. She is bold and daring and goes after what she wants. She has always had a passion for the part of the Glen that Kendrew resides in. After she first met him, she knew part of him loved him. She shares his deep passion for his Norse legacy, his wildness awakens a similar wildness within herself. She only wants to prove to him how strong she really is, how they share the same bond to the land, and that the love they could have could rival any other.


My Thoughts 
Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel is the second in the series. It starts off right from the last book, with Isobel as the next woman to find her true love. From the last book, all three women; Catriona, Isobel, and Marjory, agreed to each marry a Laird within the glen, only to ensure the peace that had just been rockily established. Isobel can hardly wait to find her happily ever after with Kendrew, even though she knows it will be quite a challenge. I actually got into the story pretty quick, within the first few pages I was hooked. Unlike the first installment, I definitely got fully drawn in. I mean who can resist a heroine who charges after the man she wants, and plans to seduce him right off the bat. I really enjoyed seeing the fireworks that continually explode between Isobel and Kendrew. Kendrew is one of the most wild heroes I have ever seen, as far as highlander romances go. Definitely very intriguing, and so HOT, I just would do anything to trade places with Isobel. Isobel is very fiery and passionate and driven. I really loved that about her. These two are a match made in heaven, so perfect for each other. The middle of the story kinda mellowed out, and it was tempting to put it down, but I trudged through the story and then it got good again. The only down side to this story, is that it didn't flow evenly, but it was an enjoyable one. Not necessarily one to kill yourself to read, but one that can make you laugh and tense with anticipation, at every exciting moment. I also loved how there was some ghostly interaction, who tries to help this couple get together...which could be very amusing at times. There is also a villian in the story....which can confuse the reader at times the identity and whom he really is. However that only added to the mystery of the story for me. Overall a thrilling tale of passion, danger, and a wild love!!! I would recommend reading this series in order though, so you don't get too confused. But I would definitely recommend reading this one, I can't wait to read Marjory's story though. (Should be a delightful installment...I hope)

First Line 
Do you believe Kendrew Mackintosh dances naked on the dreagon stones?"

Favorite Quote 
"It is you who beguile me, Isobel." He studied her face, his gaze steady as he looked deep into her eyes. "You have done so for long now. In truth"--he pressed a kiss to her hair--"just as you bear the mark of Thor, I carry your name carved on my heart."

My Grade On This Story 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
Sins of a Highland Devil
Seduction of a Highland Warrior
 
 
 

Book Review-Sins Of A Highland Devil

Sins Of A Highland Devil
 Highland Warriors (1)
Sue Ellen Welfonder
Forever
Paperback
Published January 2011
373 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN 978-0-446-56178-5

Synopsis (Goodreads)
The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan does not take over their Glen of Many Legends. At the same time, three women plot to marry these heroes to insure peace.

In SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL, James Cameron is concerned when the King's decree states all three neighboring clans must have a battle to the death in order to lay official claim to the scared Glen of Many Legends. James attempts to make a pact with the heads of the other clans to fight this decree. But he ends up fighting his own fierce desire when coming head-to-head with Lady Catriona of the opposing MacDonald clan, who has her own plan for peace.

My Review
Summary 
When the King's man comes to 'Glen Of Many Legends', to inform three clans that have been warring for years, that the time has come to resolve all matters. He informs all three Lairds of each clan that they will have to meet and battle and fight for one clan to reign over the Glen. When Lady Catriona hears along with her brother Alasdair, of these summons, so is full of rage. Catriona is very passionate about her home and her clan and views the other two clans as enemies.   But she also knows that the King's orders will mean the death of many. James Cameron has always had a firm belief in knowing that the Glen belongs to him and his clan and not the other two clans. When he is informed, he is outraged, knowing what this will mean. He knows he will have to do all that is necessary to secure this place as his. Then he finds a forbidden love in the arms of Catriona MacDonald, who even though is his enemy, she is also a woman he finds that he can't resist. Her passion and desire only ignites the fire within him, and even though he must prepare his men for the battle to come, he also can't resist the fiery storm in Catriona.

The Hero (James Macdonald)
James, has always cared deeply for Catriona, but has never wanted to admit it. He met her years ago when he had come across her on his land, and teased her to the point of  her running in fear. Now years later, he still feel a passion for her and a fiery attraction that only ignites the small flame of desire he feels for her.  As Laird it it necessary for him to make difficult choices, but he also knows that no matter what he may feel for her, he knows he might never be able to have her as his own, even if its his deepest desire.

The Heroine 
 Even though she wants to resist, Catriona is strongly attracted to James, even if she wants to prove to him how capable she is to fight him on her own terms. Catriona, sister to the Laird of her clan, knows much about the Glen. When she first hears of the summons by the King, all she wants to do is get rid of the King's man in a most violent way, but surpresses the urge to do so. When she encounters James Cameron once more after all these years, she wants to resist the temptation he offers.

My Thoughts 
Sins Of A Highland Devil is the first installment in the Highland Warriors trilogy. This trilogy is about three women who make a pact with each other to defend their homes and each other, and three proud highlanders willing to fight with everything they have to protect their clans. In the past I have just loved every book that I have had a chance to read by this author. Even though I did enjoy the plot and the story for the most part, I also didn't enjoy it as much as I thought. The main aspect that I had a hard time with was the romance. I felt like it was out of place in this story. I didn't really see much of a love connection, or how it could really happen. There was definitely many heated moments, some that were very sensual. However I didn't see a whole lot of a love story. I think maybe my expectations may have been too high, and so I ended up feeling a bit disappointed. There were times that I felt lost through the story as I was reading, and I didn't see much of a smooth flow of the story. I did however really like the characters, both James and Catriona were priceless. Both warriors in their own way, and willing to fight with every breath. I loved seeing them together, and seeing them challenge each other was unforgettable. I did enjoy the way Welfonder weaves a magical story set in a beautiful Glen that seemed mystical at times. It was also action packed, and swoon worthy at various times, but overall I think it just didn't fully satisfy me. However there were quite a few things that I did like about this one, so I do plan on reading the rest of the series.


My Favorite Quote 
 But he'd whirled her into a place she didn't know, where her heart thumped crazily and all she could think of was the emotion rising inside her. It felt so right, so thrilling to be alone with him. 

My Grade On This Book 
3 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
Temptation Of A Highland Scoundrel
Seduction Of A Highland Warrior