I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of humor, much of it from the bawdy gang of Scots that are the supporting characters. The main character, Claire is a sassy warrior lady. I think she's a bit like a blonde, Scottish Xena. I liked the "Mr & Mrs Smith" dynamic where the hero & heroine are at each other's throats but attracted to each other.
3.5 stars. Fun story, but very repetative of the previous book. Hints are thrown in that show the next book will be too
The synopsis has been written several times, so I'll make this a quicky review:
I enjoyed "Laird of the Mist" and was looking forward to reading this second novel, "A Highlander Never Surrenders". While this book proved to be a great adventure, the romance was not truly enthralling or believable to me.
The biggest turn- off for me was that the heroine character had no charm or femininity whatsoever. I love strong warrior heroines, but there needs to be an equal measure of feminine attributes. Claire was rude, abrasive, arrogant, and most disturbingly irresponsible about putting an innocent life in danger for the sake of her pride. (I won't spoil the book by explaining whose life.) I had a hard time believing that any man would want to spend the rest of his days constantly battling with his woman. There is head-strong, and there in obnoxious. Claire fell over the bridge.
On the plus side:
~The reader will get to enjoy updates about characters from the first book.
~A sweeter, more sincere love story takes place in the midst of Clair and Graham's story.
~As mentioned above, the book does take you on an adventure.
The book ends with the beginning of the next story. (I won't give details that might spoil the current book.) While I am curious to read the story of the warrior whom the author hints it will be about, I'm afraid we are looking at a total repeat of the main characters personalities. The first book was about a warrior woman and a highland warrior. The second had the same combination. It was fairly clear to me whom the author is choosing as the heroine of the third book: Graham's sister who is described as having "fire in her" and whom also happens to love sword play. Hopefully, I am wrong. A three-peat of the same theme would be total overkill.
Want to read the series? Here is the first book:
Laird of the Mist (Warner Forever)
Love Historical Highlander Romance? Here are some of my favorites:
Had to get past the annoying Heroine, but ultiamtely a good read!
Roguish Graham Grant and his best friend Rob Campbell, (first introduced in Laird of the Mist (Warner Forever)), are on a mission. They must pick up two noble ladies, sisters Anne and Claire Stuart, and take them to safety, while the infamous General Monck sorts out the death of their brother, Conner Stuart.
Claire has her own mission- to avenge the death of her beloved twin, Conner- and she' sure General Monck is behind it.
Unaware of cross purposes- and that she is the female they seek- Graham and Rob happen upon the strong willed girl, rescuing her from a bunch of thieves. Graham is instantly, and strangely, attracted to the feisty Claire, but he's surprised when Rob determines that she is indeed the very Lady, along with her sister, they were sent to intercept. It doesn't take the men long to decide to see Claire and Anne safely to their home on Skye Island with the Laird of the Mist- despite her resolve to the contrary.
Set during a short span of time when Scotland and England were walking a fine line of peace, Claire and Graham are smack dab in the center of political intrigue that is about to embroil their beloved Scotland once again in a war with the Motherland. They must first determine who to trust to see their way out of it- old family ties or the fierce love burning between them.
What I appreciate most about Quinn's highlander historical romances are the little tidbits of actual persons and history she intertwines with her fictional characters. The second is her hot Highlander heroes! Graham is one such hero- boyish charm mixed with some yummy alpha male goodness, I liked him immediately! It took me a bit longer, however, to get into the story because I wasn't sure if I liked the heroine.
Strong willed and single-minded, Claire is one of those heroines who doesn't like her station in life and is doggedly determined to never be put in her place. Ok, I can dig that, but when a heroine is ALL about that, it can easily get annoying. And that's exactly what I was feeling during Claire and Graham's initial interactions- annoyed. But Graham-Graham, that devilish rogue- manages to accept her and fall in love with her- just as she is- and, in so doing, make her lovable to the reader.
Once again Quinn does a fine job intricately weaving very real historical political intrigue with steamy sensuality. 4 out of 5 from me. A toned down Claire and some fleshed out character development for both of them would have worked better for me, but otherwise a diverting read.
4 and 1/2 Stars!--second in the series is wonderful!
I reviewed Laird of the Mist, her first in this series, and loved it. I had heard this one wasn't as good. I don't agree. I truly loved the story of Claire Stuart, the girl with long flaxen blonde hair and clear blue eyes who grew up a tomboy to become her brother's best warrior, and Graham Grant, the Commander of the MacGreggor Clan, a warrior who never wants to marry and keeps all the bar wenches happy in his bed. Claire and Grant come together like two colliding comets in a time of Scottish history where there is betrayal and unrest in England as well as Scotland. There is something about a surrender to love of two strong unwilling hearts that just grabs you. And Quinn does a masterful job of telling the tale, weaving in humor in a very natural way, witty dialog and fast moving action that does not disappoint. I had just finished a not so great romance by another author and couldn't wait to get back to a really good one...thank you Paula Quinn for yet another wonderful highlander romance, even if it did keep me up till 2 am reading it! You got me as a devoted fan.
Skilled with a sword and quick with her wit, Scottish rebel Claire Stuart cannot be tamed. And nothing can deter her from rescuing her beloved sister and saving them both from arranged marriages--not even the handsome Highlander who vows to protect Claire. His scorching gaze and fiery kiss bring her to the brink of surrender, but she belongs to no man...
Seducing Her Would Be His Reward
Graham Grant has had his share of lasses. But he has never met one as headstrong or as bonnie as Claire--or one with such desperate, dnagerous plans. Helping her could betray his honor, his country, and more. Graham can't claim her. Yet everything in him says: Take her, make her yours, teach her pleasure, and never let her go.
based on 19 reviews
