Book Review-A Highlander's Temptation

A Highlander's Temptation
Mackenzie (7)
Sue Ellen Welfonder
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published October 2009
375 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN:978-0-446-19530-0
Authors Website

Synopsis
Darroc MacConacher spends sleepless nights dreaming of a raven-haired beauty who makes him ache with desire. Then his dream comes true: the lady with her lush curves and fair skin appears shipwrecked on his shores. Darroc is immediately drawn to her strength and beauty, and from the moment she lays eyes on this powerful, broad-shouldered warrior, Lady Arabella MacKenzie knows she'll never want another man.

But theirs is a forbidden love. The MacKenzies drove the MacConachers from their lands and destroyed their honor. Now, Darroc can use this sapphire-eyed seductress to shatter his foes. Yet how can he deny the passion that burns between him and Arabella, and ruin the one woman who touches his very soul?

My Review 

Arabella is not like her other sister, who is bold and daring when it comes to men or even going after what she wants. Arabella has more of a gentle nature, compassionate, and seeks to please her parents, whom she loves dearly. But she is desperate to go to a island, which belongs to her, and visit a shrine there so that she can make a wish, a plea to find a man to love and cherish and to have a family with. With a absurdly over protective father, she knows it will be near impossible to find a husband. But then with a verbal battle with her father, she gains permission to go. With four bodyguards, they head out on the sea toward her island. But then a huge storm along with a viking ship tears her ship apart, and she ends up the only survivor and washes up on shore. Then enters the hero, Darroc, who finds this woman, who is pale and injured, and takes her to his clan, and gives her the rest and healing she needs. From the first moment she wakes, there is a chemistry between Darroc and Arabella. Even though Darroc learns that she is the enemy's daughter, he can't deny his feelings for her, and knows that his heart belongs to Arabella from their first meeting and will fight to keep her at his side.

A Highlanders Temptation is a delightful story. I recently read the previous book in the series, which was Arabella's sisters story. And I have had this one on my wish list ever since it became published. So I was super excited when I saw this one was finally available at my local library. So A Highlander's Temptation is a sweet romance, and I read it under two hours (which is a record for me). I still can hardly believe that I could read that much, not skimming, and be so enthralled by this romance. The story begins with seeing Arabella's start and Darroc's start and a bit of a background. But not too much, since it picks up pretty quickly. Soon Arabella is in Darroc's castle, and I was very amused by the beginning of their courting dance. Neither of them admits in the beginning how they feel about each other, but then Darroc just up and kisses her when neither of them expect it, and boy does things heat up. Even though there were only a few bedroom scenes, there was a bit of steam, but not over kill either. There was more of a focus on their relationship. I did feel like there should of been more focus on the relationship more. Most of the story seemed to be Darroc having avoidance issues (which was a bit humorous ), but once he got his butt in gear, their romance hit off and you start to really cheer for this couple. There is a bit of a magical element but not too much at all. Just a very light touch, to add character to the story.

The characters in this story were very riveting. There wasn't anything super complicated to either one of them, in fact in was quite refreshing to have two characters that are more down to earth, and are willing to admit their feelings for each other. There was such a sweet feeling to Arabella and Darroc. Darroc is leader of his clan, and is looking for justice for his clan when they were raided viciously by Arabella's grandfather. Darroc has many leader like attributes. He is confident, commanding, and his people are top priority until he meets Arabella. Arabella, is such a sweet heroine, so infectious you cant help but love her. Even though she isn't as strong willed as is the norm, I found her endearing, and I couldn't help but relate to her quite a bit. Arabella is innocent and strong in her desire to find a loving husband. I enjoyed seeing her growth in this story, and seeing how she gradually learns to fight for the man she loves. Their relationship isn't full of roses and daises of course, there is some conflict, but this romance is a sweet story that you can just relax into.

Overall a extraordinary romance that will pull at your heart strings. Welfonder writes a beautiful highland romance that is a page turner and a story to captivate the heart. AMAZING!!

First Line 
"What do you mean you wish to see the Seal Isles?"

Favorite Quote 
He saw her as clearly as if he still stood staring down at her. As if it were only moments ago when she'd moved so sinuously against him, hotly entwined and firing his dreams in ways no other woman had ever done. 
She was a born siren.
She lay naked in his bed. 
Darroc shoved a hand through his hair, frowning. 
A man so long without a woman shouldn't be presented with such temptation. 
A highlander never. 

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Devil In A Kilt
Knight in my Bed
Bride of the Beast
Until The Knight Comes
Bride For A Knight