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?
Seducing A Scottish Bride
Mackenzie (6)
Sue Ellen Welfonder
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published March 2009
364 Pages
Scottish Highlands Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-19529-4 Authors Website
Gelis MacKenzie is one
of the most desirable heiresses in all the Western Highlands. She is the
youngest and much adored daughter of the indomitable Black Stag of
Kintail, Duncan MacKenzie, who was the hero of Welfonder's novel DEVIL
IN A KILT. Unfortunately, Gelis has been branded unmarriageable, but not
for lack of masculine interest. No matter how lofty the ancestry, how
deep the purse, or how mighty the sword arm, nary a one of her suitors
is good enough for her father. Although he loves Gelis fiercely and
knows he must someday see her settled and wed, Duncan isn't quite ready
to let her go.
But now Duncan has received an offer for Gelis's
hand in marriage that he is honor-bound to accept-and it comes from the
worst possible quarter. The suitor, Ronan MacRuari of Castle Dare, is
the last man Duncan MacKenzie would wish for a son-in-law. Known as the
Raven, Ronan is the scion of a dark clan that has been marked by a
deadly curse.
Ronan and Gelis are instantly attracted to one
another, but they are immediately estranged. Ronan's last two wives have
died abruptly and he doesn't want to see his vivacious newly-wed Gelis
suffer the same fate, so he distances himself from her as much as
possible. In the meantime, Ronan searches for the Raven Stone, a fabled
treasure that he believes holds the power of the curse over his clan.
But Gelis has fallen in love with her new husband, and she's determined
to help him. Though Ronan doesn't know it, Gelis also has the gift of
second-sight, and she has seen a future in which she is destined to help
redeem her cursed husband.
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
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
Bride Of The Beast
Mackenzie (2)
Sue Ellen Welfonder
Warner
331 Pages
Published Jan 2003
Scottish Highlands
When passion is fierce, resistance is futile.
A HEADSTRONG LADY, A BATTLE-TORN KNIGHT, AND A LESSON IN TEMPTATION!
Twice wed and twice widowed, Lady Caterine Keith has no need for a champion. She can fend off unwanted suitors on her own and guard her Scottish stronghold without the help of any man. But her sister, knowing better, sends a make-believe husband--a knight with a battle-scarred face almost too frightening to behold. Sir Marmaduke Strongbow has a secret ambition. He wants not Caterine's land but her hand in marriage and her heart to own. With tantalizing caresses, he will show her how a real champion lays siege...and how love is impossible to fight.
MY REVIEW
Summary:
Lady Caterine Keith has already been widowed twice and isn't eager or willing to go for a third time. Thre is a unwanted suitor who only desires to get a hold of her Scottish stronghold. One whom repels her so and se is stunned when a battle scarred Knight come sto her as a protector. Sir Marmaduke Strongbow is determined to show Caterine the path of her passion....and a everlasting love, where he goes about to claim hold of her heart and her love.
The Hero (Marmaduke Strongbow)
Marmaduke once handsome, is now scarred and desires to find love of a woman and once he meets Caterine, he is ever more determined to lay siege and claime her as his own. Marmaduke is a real champoon and a talented warrior and aches to find a love that his closest friend has found for himself.
The Heroine (Caterine Keith)
Caterine, after outliving two husbands seeks peace and solitude. But then her sister sends her a champion who wants to marry her. Even thoug she sets up defenses to resist Marmaduke; is caresses slowly break them down and she finds herself, falling for the knight who despite being scarred has a heart of gold.
My Thoughts
Bride of the beast is the second book in the Mackenzie series written by Sue Ellen Welfonder. I have recently discovered this author, and have just loved what she has written so far, which includes Bride of the Beast. Since I love the first one so much I thought I would try and see how I would like this one, and I just fell in love with it. I truly enjoyed reading Marmaduke's story...it was enchanting. I found the interaction between the characters engaging and filled with a emotional intensity that will take your breath away. A most entertaing read!!!
My Favorite Quote
Smiling through her tears, she turned her full gaze on him-the open gaze of a woman who never lied "And, yes, my lord, I wear the ring because you had my heart, " she told him " Fully, irrevocable, for all our days and beyond,"
My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms
Other Books In The Series
Devil In A Kilt
Only For A Knight
Until the Knight Comes
Bride For A Knight
Seducing A Scottish Bride
A Highlander's Temptation
Devil In A Kilt
Mackenzie (1)
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Warner,
421 Pages
Published August 2001
Medieval Scottish Highlands
ISBN: 0-446-61025-9
Synopsis Honorable Mention as The Historical Romance Club's Favorite Historical Romance of the Year for 2003
A Fiery Angel, A Coldhearted Devil, And A Marriage Hotter Than Hell!
Linnet MacDonnell was the youngest of seven sisters, and not the family beauty. With her flame-bright red hair, sharp tongue, and strange gift of second-sight, no man wanted her. But the devil would take her. Bartered as a bride to her father's long-sworn enemy, the nobly born Highlander Duncan MacKenzie of Kintail, she had no choice but to enter a marriage with a man rumored to have murdered his first wife and said to possess neither heart nor soul.
Forbidding and proud, Duncan MacKenzie wanted only one thing from his new bride -- to use her special gift to determine if young Robbie was truly his son. He never expected the MacDonnell lass to stubbornly follow her heart, chase away the darkness in his castle with light and laughter, and ignite a raging fire in his blood. How dare she defy him, and tempt a devil like him to feel what he feared most of all --- love!
From an exciting new voice in romantic fiction comes a story as tempestuous, colorful, and passionate as medieval Scotland itself ... Devil in a Kilt
My Review:
When Linnet MacDonnell was the youngest in her family, but now her father has decided to give her to Duncan MacKensie, a enemy to her father, as wife, despite her protests to the contrary. Throughout her young life, she is spirited but also has a gift for a second sight, which has prevented her from any man from wanting her, except for Duncan MacKensie who needs her gift more than he needs her, but is willing to marry her to know certain truths. At first Linnet is nervous around her new husband, who has made it clear he only needs her for her sight. Duncan MacKensie, after being betrayed, has doubts about his son being truly his son, so he needs the talent of Linnet to know the truth. When Linnet knows the truth behind Duncan desiring her for a wife, so knows she needs to get Duncan and his son Robbie to connect again once more, but she knows that it will much harder than she will ever realize, because she starts to realize that there is a lot more to Duncan than her first impressions of him, and knows that she could be falling in love with the man who has captured her heart.
I found Devil In A Kilt to be the kind of historical romance that I desperately fall in love with. I just love Scottish Historicals, and this one was filled with adventure, passion and love. We have Linnet who is loved by all of her brothers, but her father would do anything to be rid of her, so when he barters her into marriage with his sworn enemy, she yearns for love and a place that is truly home, but knows that she may never find such a place, until she finds herself married to the Highlander Duncan MacKenzie, who just wants to use her for her gift. But when passion flares between them, she knows that there is a whole lot more potential than she ever realized would happen. Duncan after being betrayed, has drifted away from his son Robbie, whom he doubts was ever his son, but is desperate to know the truth. So when he married Linnet, he views her as a means to a end, however he never expected Linnet to be so beautiful and passionate, and finds the ice around his heart melting, both in her and in Robbie. I found this to be such a delectable romance, that I couldn't get enough of it. The plot, the characters, the emotions conveyed so vividly, wraps this lovely scottish romance into a gem of a read!!!
My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms
Other Books In The Series
Bride of the Beat
Only For A Knight
Until The Knight Comes
Bride For A Knight
Seducing A Scottish Bride
A Highlanders Temptation
