Series: Highland Brides

What Are You Reading? (+ Lynsay Sands Giveaway)

Posted August 3, 2018 by Rowena in Giveaways, Reviews | 9 Comments

WAYR-New

Casee: I am currently reading Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan. This book is different from the others in this series in good ways and not-so-good ways. I always wonder if it’s just going to be the same old thing since this is something like the 147th book in this series, but I’m usually surprised. I have some really good books waiting in the wings. I hope to finish Dark Sentinel tonight so I can move on.

Holly: I finished my reread of the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews with White Hot and Wildfire. I finally got to read The Kiss Quotient, which was wonderful. Rowena was right. That book was so freaking good. Then I read Wild Like the Wind by Kristen Ashley. I enjoyed the romance, but the rest of the story was meh. I’m pretty much over the overreaching story arc from the last 5 books. I listened to Duke Most Wanted by Celeste Bradley. I really liked it. There was a plot twist at the end I did not see coming. For those of you who know me, that’s a huge thing. I always figure it out.

I’m not sure what I’m going to read next. I’ll be honest, I’m putting off reading the next two books in the Summer Reading Challenge. I might suck it up and try one, but neither sounds very good to me. Sigh.

Rowena: I finally finished A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole and it was such an enjoyable romance that I am pretty anxious for the next book in the series, Johan’s book. I also want to go back and read Ledi & Thabiso’s book because they were adorable in this one. Portia and Tav were the bomb! After I finished that book, I started my second Summer Reading Challenge book, Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard. I’m still reading that (so far, so good) but I plan to finish that today so I’ll be jumping into The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby next.

Giveaway Alert

We are very fortunate here at Book Binge. We have loads and loads of books to read and we want to share the wealth so each week, we’ll be tacking on a Freebie Friday giveaway to our What Are You Reading posts. This week, we’re giving away…

What Are You Reading? (+ Lynsay Sands Giveaway)The Highlander's Promise (Highland Brides #6) by Lynsay Sands
Series: Highland Brides #6
Also in this series: His Bonnie Bride, Highland Wedding
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Series Rating: four-stars

In a spellbinding new Highlands story from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands, the laird of the Buchanans finds the one woman who is his equal in passion and courage...

Aulay Buchanan has retreated to his clan’s hunting lodge for a few days of relaxation. But the raven-haired beauty he pulls from the ocean puts an end to any chance of rest. Though he christens her Jetta, she knows nothing of her real identity, save that someone is trying to kill her. As she recovers, it will not be easy for Aulay to protect her and keep her honor intact when she mistakenly believes they are man and wife.

Jetta sees beyond Aulay’s scars to the brave, loyal warrior she’s proud to call her own. But as the attempts on her life grow more brazen, Jetta realizes that not all is as she believes. And if Aulay is not her husband, can she trust the desire flaring in his eyes, or his promise to defend her with his life?

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!

What Are You Reading: The Highlander’s Promise


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Lightning Review: Highland Wedding by Hannah Howell

Posted March 8, 2008 by Holly in Reviews | 1 Comment

Lightning Review: Highland Wedding by Hannah HowellReviewer: Holly
Highland Wedding by Hannah Howell
Series: Highland Brides #2
Also in this series: His Bonnie Bride, The Highlander's Promise (Highland Brides #6)
Publisher: Open Road Media
Publication Date: April 29th 2014
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 296
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
three-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

The vivid scar that spans Sir Iain MacLagan’s cheek is a daily reminder of the wife he lost—and of the enemy that still stalks him. Commanded by Scotland’s king to remarry in order to unite two powerful border clans, lain reluctantly weds Islaen MacRoth, a woman whose delicate appearance belies a playful, seductive nature that proves dangerously attractive to a man who has vowed never to jeopardize his heart, or his loved ones, again . . . 

Raised with eleven boisterous brothers, Islaen has little time for foolish romantic notions. Even so, she hoped for more than a forced marriage to a man who shares her bed, but not her life. Step by step, Islaen sets out to wear down Iain's defenses. 

This is the sequel to His Bonnie Bride, one of my most favorite books of all time. Unfortunately, I think perhaps my expectations were too high, because this one fell far short.

Both the hero and heroine were good characters, and they plot had the same elements I’ve always enjoyed in HH novels before, but for some reason, this one just didn’t work for me. It might have been because the story was just a bit too real. I realize there was a lot of fighting in this time period (especially in the Highlands) but it seemed to me there was more violence in this story than there normally is. And while that doesn’t usually bother me (honestly? I like a bit of violence in my novels) this one was just over the top with it. Or maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it?

Regardless, though well written, it’s not a favorite or one I’ll be picking up again any time soon.

3.0 out of 5

The Series:
His Bonnie Bride
Highland Wedding

three-stars


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Review: His Bonnie Bride by Hannah Howell

Posted March 5, 2008 by Holly in Reviews | 4 Comments

Review: His Bonnie Bride by Hannah HowellReviewer: Holly
His Bonnie Bride by Hannah Howell
Series: Highland Brides #1
Also in this series: Highland Wedding, The Highlander's Promise (Highland Brides #6)

Publication Date: June 5th 2012
Point-of-View: Alternating Third
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 352
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
four-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell traverses the embattled border between England and Scotland, where two warring families prolong centuries of discord. . .
Storm Eldon was first caught up in the war between England and Scotland as a young girl, when she and her family were held hostage by their sworn enemies, the MacLagans. Years later, Storm finds herself trapped in the clutches of her Scottish adversaries once again. Now she must fight to preserve her loyalties, guard her virtue, and resist the charms of Tavis MacLagan, her handsome Highland captor. . .
Praise for Hannah Howell and her Highland novels
"Few authors portray the Scottish highlands as lovingly or colorfully." --Publishers Weekly
"Another classic." --Romantic Times

This is one of my favorite Hannah Howell books. I originally discovered this about 5 years ago, and now my copy is so tattered it’s falling apart at the bindings.

Storm Eldon is the favored oldest daughter of an English Marsh Lord. We first meet her when she, her brothers and her cousins are kidnapped by their life long enemies the MacLagans, a clan of Highlanders. Her father is in the middle of a battle with the clan and her step-mother thinks it would be fun to take the kids and have a picnic whilst watching the battle. No, she isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.

That’s the first time Storm meets Tavis. After cleaning up a cut on Tavis’ father’s arm, they’re eventually ransomed back to Storm’s father. Seven years later, Storm is once again kidnapped by Tavis and his brothers. They take her back to their keep, planning to ransom her again, but this time her father is out of the country and her step-mother refuses to meet their demands.

It’s generally known that during this time period, a hostage was free game to whomever wanted to take her. Tavis declares Storm off limits to anyone but himself. He agrees to try and woo her, but eventually makes his intentions clear. She will share his bed.

Outside intrigues, in the form of Tavis’ mistress and Storm’s family – threaten to take Storm from him. Though he refuses to admit he cares for her, it soon becomes obvious he would do anything for her.

This is a passionate love story that really moved me. One of the things Hannah Howell excels at is writing strong heroines. Especially considering the times. They don’t cower before their men, they don’t hold back and they have deep wells of inner strength. In my opinion, Storm Eldon is the epitome of everything a heroine should be.

Though she knows her evil step-mother won’t ransom her, she holds out hope that when her father returns from war he’ll keep her safe. In the meantime, she knows she can’t keep Tavis from her bed. Instead of fighting the inevitable, she succumbs, knowing she’ll have pleasure. She doesn’t expect to come to care for Tavis. Even more, once she admits she has feelings for him, she knows nothing will ever come of it, because their families are bitter enemies.

This is an epic love story, filled with fiery passion, tender moments and amazing characterizations. The secondary characters are well fleshed out, but don’t detract from the main story. I was truly chilled by Storm’s step-mother, and laughed myself silly over the antics of her brothers and cousins. Tavis’ family is a riot and one I could see myself being part of. The way he interacts with his brothers and father is grand, and even Storm finds herself falling in love with them. Tavis himself isn’t as wonderful as Storm, but I loved her so much I didn’t care.

A must read for any lover of historical romances set in the Highlands.

4 out of 5

The series:
His Bonnie Bride
Highland Wedding

four-stars


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