Download Description
Journey to the treacherous and tempestuous Highlands of fifteenth century Scotland in Hannah Howell's passionate tale of a feisty beauty determined to uncover the softer side of the iron-willed warrior who has wed her, bed her.and stolen her heart. Though she has yet to be courted by any man, spirited Gillyanne Murray decides the time has come to visit the dower lands gifted to her by her father's kinsmen. She arrives to find the small keep surrounded by three lairds, each one vying for her hand.and property. Though resolved to refuse them all, the threat of battle on her threshold forces her to boldly choose a suitor: Sir Connor MacEnroy, a handsome, daring knight of few words. As his wife, Gillyanne is stunned by his terse, cold distance-and her own yearning to feel passion in his arms. Now, bringing her healing touch to a land and a keep ravaged by treachery and secret enemies, she dares to reach out for the one thing she fears she may forever be denied.her husband's closely guarded heart.
Customer Reviews:
highland bride.......2007-09-15
Highland Bride
I liked it very much! Good storyline and it makes me want to buy all Hannah Howell's books during same approximate time period and setting (excepting the vampire stories).
Gillyanne Murray's Story.......2007-08-14
This was the first Murray book I read. It is NOT book 1, so I recommend you get the order from the author's website.
Gillyanne is the daughter of Eric and Bethia Murray (book 1)
Gillyanne (and all his daughter's) have been given their own castles by their father. While Gillyanne is at her castle, she is beseiged by three "suitors" who border her land and demand that she choose one of them for marriage.
Men!
They compete with each other. She doesn't want any of them.
She sends word to her dad, Eric, but he's at the King's court. He does come, though. LOL
I love how Eric (dad) LOVES and ADORES his girls! He is also ruthless (and short, bless his heart).
Gillyanne ends up choosing Connor.
This was such a nice story.
p.s. It's kind of annoying that every single one of the books by this author wait until the end to pronouce their love for each other. Can we change that around a tad?
Gillyanne is a cunning lass that will keep you attentive.......2006-06-28
This is by far my favorite book of the series so far, I have about two or three left to read, but to date this story out shined the rest. It didn't feel that way at first, it wasn't until I got to the end of the book that I could truly appreciate what I had read. What makes this story so remarkable is Gillyanne's cunning and adaptive nature. When she aquires the land between three fueding lords, she finds herself bombarded by the three men demanding she marry one of them. Being a woman with ideas and thoughts of her own regarding marriage, she turned them down and in doing so had to face their wrath. You will find yourself pleasantly amazed by the ways she manages to keep each suitor at bay without shedding any blood before finally giving up and choosing the best of the three. The rest I leave up to you to discover on your own, but I truly reccomend this addition to Hannah Howell's brilliant series. It was my favorite, and it could become yours.
Fiesty Gillyanne Will Have You Laughing Out Loud.......2006-06-25
This is my second time reading this book. Gillyanne Murray decides to go visit her dower lands that were given to her by her father's kinsmen. The small property is surrounded by three lairds who want the keep and land for their own. They find out that Gilly is unwed and promptly decide she must marry one of them. She will not give up her small keep without a battle but will not risk the lives of the people within the keep so she declares of battle of wits. The first laird and men who approach are doused with a foul smelling brew that sends them running back to their camp, shedding their clothes and jumping into the river. The second laird and men who approach are stunned by Gilly's singing (she has a magical voice). So stunned they don't notice that sleeping brew is wafting around them. After they pass out, her people strip the men of their clothes, weapons and horses. The third laird and men who approach are invited inside the keep to lunch. They refuse to eat thinking the food is poisoned until Gilly starts to eat first. However, Gilly has picked out the food that is not tainted with the sleeping brew and when they awake, they find themselves stripped of their clothes too. Eventually she must surrender and it's Connor MacEnroy who marries her and wins her heart in the end. A truly charming book.
I don't know what's wrong.......2005-08-10
I know I'm in the minority here, but I wasn't all that wild about this book. I thought it had potential, but just never came together for me. I liked Connor and thought Howell did a good job with him. Maybe what I really don't like is that Gillyanne (and all Howell's heroines) was so tiny. That was stressed over and over--how tiny she was, almost childlike. I think that sort of subconsciously icked me out. Now, romance novel heroines don't have to be Amazons, but I don't like getting a mental picture of a 12 year old. I think that is what kept happening and prevented me from liking this book very much. Come on, next time, have your heroine be at least as big as a 15 year old!!
Book Description
The Hawk
Haydn MacGowan is known as the Hawk -- the strongest and most dedicated warrior of the king's guard. A man who shares the secrets of his heart with no one, he is impervious to feminine wiles -- until luscious temptation arrives in the lovely form of the gypsy lass, Catriona. But even as the Hawk falls under her spell, he knows she's hiding something.
...And His Prey?
Catriona is on a desperate mission - and the Hawk is a very large, very handsome obstacle. Seduction is her best weapon, she thinks -- until she gets caught in her own trap. And as passion burns bright, she wonders: dare she trust the man she's come to love?
THE HAWK
Haydn MacGowan is known as the Hawk -- the strongest and most dedicated warrior of the king's guard. A man who shares the secrets of his heart with no one, he is impervious to feminine wiles -- until luscious temptation arrives in the lovely form of the gypsy lass, Catriona. But even as the Hawk falls under her spell, he knows she's hiding something.
...
AND HIS PREY?
Catriona is on a desperate mission - and the Hawk is a very large, very handsome obstacle. Seduction is her best weapon, she thinks -- until she gets caught in her own trap. And as passion burns bright, she wonders: dare she trust the man she's come to love?
THE HAWK
Haydn MacGowan is known as the Hawk -- the strongest and most dedicated warrior of the king's guard. A man who shares the secrets of his heart with no one, he is impervious to feminine wiles -- until luscious temptation arrives in the lovely form of the gypsy lass, Catriona. But even as the Hawk falls under her spell, he knows she's hiding something.
...
AND HIS PREY?
Catriona is on a desperate mission - and the Hawk is a very large, very handsome obstacle. Seduction is her best weapon, she thinks -- until she gets caught in her own trap. And as passion burns bright, she wonders: dare she trust the man she's come to love?
Customer Reviews:
Highland Hawk.......2001-02-23
This was a wonderfully fabulous book. Catriona, the heroine, was fascinating and charming. King James was adorable. The other characters, several from Ms. Greiman's previous books, were, as always, delightful. But it was Haydan the Hawk himself who was irresistible. What a guy. They don't make 'em like that anymore. I can't wait for April when Greiman's next book comes out.
Succeeds on All Levels. But who is that guy on the cover?.......2000-03-12
A tidy mystery unfolds as heroine Catriona, a gypsy performer, meets a wealth of possible suspects and tries to determine who done it. Hayden MacGowan, a.k.a. the Hawk, is effective as the young King James' loyal guard, hero and would-be-foil to Cat. She digs him, but can't tell him what's up. He grooves on her, but deems her too young and vibrant for a world worn highlander such as himself.
Written in an easy and impeccably confident style, HIGHLAND HAWK successfully interweaves the romance, the external plot, and the relationships between Cat, Hawk and the twelve-year-old king. Cat is especially delightful, comfortable with her exotic allure, and fun to watch whether she's flying through the air or snooping in guests' rooms looking for clues. Hawk may be too fatherly a hero for some, but his years give him a laid back rather than gung-ho attitude. He suits Cat, though, much to his dismay.
Ms. Greiman balances exposition, dialogue and backstory effortlessly throughout, a key to maintaining the forward momentum of the plot. The many characters are introduced at a pace that enables us to keep track, and each has a distinct personality. Both hero and heroine share equally in the outcome, an essential element in a satisfying romance.
Humor, intelligence and warm relationship between Cat and Hawk, make this a must read, not only for sixteen century Scotland or Highlander aficionados, but all lovers of historical romance.
All of The Highland Bride Series.......2000-01-04
I love all of them just wish it was not so hard to find the ones that are out of print. Makes me wish that I could go back to that time.
Customer Reviews:
Above average Scottish period romance.......2006-09-10
Amanda Scott writes a beautiful, fun and romantic tale of life in the Scottish highlands. The protagonists are well developed and their intertwined relationships were believable.
My only problem with the story is how an intelligent woman like Bab couldn't discern a familiarity in Alex's speaking voice, even if it was "disguised." Another reason I didn't give it five stars is the manner in which Bab suddenly accepts, cheerfully and very willingly, her marital life with Alex, especially after so many pages of conflicting emotions. And as another reviewer mentioned, Alex's style of dress and demeanor were a bit offputting, but the reader can discern after a very short time why his character is styled this way!
Overall I loved this book, as I was reading it I couldn't wait to find out when The Fox mystery would finally be resolved. The scenery, fairies, etc. all added to the depth and beauty of this enjoyable romance.
Couldn't get through it.......2005-08-16
After the third description of the hero's cornflower blue doublet with gold bows and lace at the wrsits, and the puffy pink satin inlay on his stockings, I had to put the book down. I realize the author was trying to make Alex as different from Fox as she could, but the constant descriptions of his fussy, sissy-like clothing ruined the book for me. There's no way a man in pink stocking could be sexy to me.
Wonderful story!.......2004-07-01
This is a wonderful story of heroes, fairies, villains, and Highland life. This was the first book by Amanda Scott that I have read. At first I was a little confused with the different pieces of stories floating around. But when they all started to come together, I was delighted with this tale.
Engaging Scottish Romance.......2003-08-11
Barbara `Bab' McRae has been ordered home to the highlands by her brother Patrick and after the excitement of the Scottish court was not looking forward to the boredom that would face her there. Upon the way the party she is traveling with is ambushed and as the men engaged arms, she and the other ladies escaped running into a friendly face, or so she thought, until her would be protector turned into her abductor. About to be ravished, by the fiend none other than the man known as the Black Fox comes to her rescue - effectively saving her virtue and sending her along her way with a silver coin and a kiss that would haunt her dreams.
Due to unforeseen circumstances and the political climate she soon finds that she is to be married to the handsome, wealthy, but totally boring, and slightly foppish Sir Alexander Chisholm - unbeknownst to Bab the alter ego of - who else - the Black Fox. Alex plays a dangerous game, trying to help save the Highlander's way of life, yet falling helplessly in love with the lovely Bab McRae. And Bab - she will go along with the marriage to Alex - while secretly yearning for the Fox - such a dilemma! But then you had all these wee folk jumbled into this mix with some trying to help things along and some trying to hinder?
As this was my first Amanda Scott novel - I was at first very confused trying to follow the beginning of the story - actually three different plots going on here and consequently why this is not being given the highest of ratings. While it was a very good story, I fully believe that were I reading this after having read the prequels of the Secret Clan series I might have truly enjoyed it more. The two main characters of Alex and Bab were very interesting and very well developed and their dialogs witty and fun, although I was immediately making comparisons to the Zorro type plot. The `wee folk' were very amusing and engaging. All in all this was a very good read, but as a matter of personal preference, I would have liked to have read the prequels first to have better enjoyed this and gained a better sense of family.
Much better than the last one, though still with flaws.......2003-03-26
Amanda Scott returns with another of the Secret Clan novels. This is much better than Hidden Heiress, with a couple who has some sizzle and a hero who, even if he is the Scarlet Pimpernel in a kilt, has depth and intrigue. (The author admits this happily herself at the end of the book).
The trouble with this author is that she reallty seems to work SO hard at making a series by setting up the next book with his long lost cousin that it waters down the romance and also really detracts from the fabulous Alex.
And her women are all vacuous, slightly mad, or shrews. Bab is a pain, always whining about how bored she is if she isn't out hunting, and all the talk about paddling her bottom like a child gets wearing. It was the same in Hidden Heiress.
Also all the to-ing and fro-ing about whether or not she will wed him. In the end she does nothing because, as with the other novels, a spell has been cast over them both, and so they never really develop the love and commitment we hope to see.
Fin and Molly make an apperance in this novel as in Hidden Heiress, but there is no sign of her own brother Patrick, even at her own wedding, is really strange.
The wee fairy folk are not quite so irritating this time, nor quite so libidinous, which is just as well really as that took away from the last novel.
We have two middling romantic scenes in this book so readers looking for sensuality will be sadly bereft.
Finally, her ability to control her characters' accents is still sorely lacking. Her antecdents as a Regency novelist really start to show when all of the typical Ton
slang starts to creep in.
This is an author with a good talent for description who likes complicated plots, enjoys writing about the men, but forgets the women
are the characters female readers tend to empathise with or identify when they are reading romance.
But there is nothing likeable about Bab (Barbara) and one wishes Alex had done better for himself!
Customer Reviews:
A Romantic "Romance".......2001-06-27
This was the first of Lois Grieman's books that I ever read and it was wonderful. The characters were funny and real. They made sense, which is more than I can say for most romance novels.
I actually bought the book because of the hero's name. Boden is not what one would expect from a typical hero, where usually the hero is named after some fierce beast (exp: Lyon or Griffyn) However, I'm glad, whatever my reasons, that I bought the book.
Sarah and Boden were wonderful. They were funny and they didn't hate each other on sight like in most romances. Each of them had a good reason for doing what they did, and Sarah had a beleivable reason to keep her secret about the baby. Boden was gentle and kind and his dealings with the Tilly the goat were hilarious.
The plot is the weakest part of the book, it is somewhat jumbled and wanders off quite often on its own little course; but it is followable and in no way distracts from the lovability of the book.
I always know when a book is truly romantic because my heart squeezes and I get all happy feeling, and this book made me feel that way. The hero and heroine falling in love made sense, and for once their love wasn't based around their mutual lust for eachother.
In all, The Lady and the Knight was a lovable, fun, and very romanitic novel. I enjoyed it greatly.
Constant Trouble.......2000-02-14
I'm surprised Boden didn't die during some of his battles. The poor guy probably has more slashes than a cutting board. I enjoyed this book very much but I didn't give it 5 stars because I had trouble with all of the evil encounters. There were plenty of very amusing parts that made me chuckle but many that were also frustrating. This couple attracted trouble like magnets. For a knight who constantly felt he was a coward, I would sure like this "coward" on my side. I'm not much into sorcery and amulets, etc. but had I known how the story would go before I read it, I still would have purchased it. It is worth the read.
A beautiful story!.......1999-04-02
I confess I only bought the book because I was curious that Boden had such an odd name. Well, after reading ten pages I couldn't put the book down. Louis Grieman's writing was witty and wise, and had just the right amount of heartache in it. Not only was this a wonderful romance novel, it was a beautiful book as well. Congradulations on a masterpeice Louis Greiman!
THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK!.......1999-01-23
This is the first installment of the Highland Brides trilogy. I enjoyed it immensely. This book is filled with magic, love, action, and non-stop humor. Sir Boden just kept me laughing with his dry humor. He and Lady Sara are a passionate couple filled with kindness as they protect and care for two innocents. It's a magnificant read. Part two of the trilogy is the "Highland Scoundrel" which is also a fine read. I must admit that I found "The Lady and the Knight" to be the better of the two. I can't wait until the third book in the series comes out. You'll love this book. Trust me!
Lois Does It Again!!!.......1998-09-05
Those of you unfamiliar with Lois Greiman's previous works, her "Highland" trilogy in particular, are in for a wonderful treat with The Lady and the Knight. Not only will you laugh and sigh and cry, you will be searching out the rest of the Forbes clan as quickly as you can!! Let me be of assistance--Highland Jewel, Highland Flame and Highland Wolf.
Ms. Greiman has a sense of humor that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the pages and an extraordinary gift for breathing life into all her characters--from the swaggering hero and determined heroine to the wary children and a mischievous goat. (You'll have to read it. I'm not telling.
) Have fun!!!
Book Description
Rachel Forbes had never wed, for none compared to Liam, the love of her childhood. But Rachel was high-born and Liam an orphan, so marriage was impossible. Now grown, a chance meeting unites Rachel with the man of her heart and it seems their destinies are entwined once more, for Liam is her rescuer and she must keep him by her side if she is to stay alive.
Liam is temped beyond all reason by Rachel. She has the eyes of a saint, the smooth skin of a princess...and lips he cannot resist kissing. He knows he has no name or family to offer--but given the eternity he has endured without her, does he dare risk the consequences of claiming her innocence and promising her a lifetime of love?
Customer Reviews:
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!.......1999-05-11
I think this is an incredibly sweet romance. Liam is not the typically macho hero and his talent for picking pockets, wooing the ladies, and magic only indear him to me. A little talent for larceny never hurt a story and it brings out the rogue in Liam. Yet he never does feel good enough for Rachel, giving that she is highborn and he is a bastard and his father is... Weeell, never mind who his father is. That is Liam's biggest secret and anyway you'll find out when you read this book.
boring, tedious, boring, blah, blah, blah.......1999-04-30
i was extremely disappointed in this final book in the highland bride series. it reads like it was written in haste, had to get it to the publisher, etc.. i would sell it back to the book store if i could. uninteresting characters. sorry ms. greiman, you could do better and have done better.
Enchanting Medieval romance.......1999-03-21
She was an aristocrat while he was a nobody. They might love one another, but sixteenth century Scottish society would never allow a union between them. So neither Rachel nor Liam ever married.
By 1520, Rachel is on a mission for the young King of Scotland. However, Warwick the wizard covets the dangerous Dragonheart brooch that Rachel possesses. The amulet denotes death. After rescuing his former beloved, Liam anoints himself as her protector. To his chagrin, their love still flourishes. He knows that she is royalty and he is a landless orphan. Therefore, nothing good can happen between them. He wants to go back to his wandering lifestyle, but she needs him to stay alive. By staying at her side, he does not realize that she exposes her heart to a different type of terror caused by impossible love.
HIGHLAND ENCHANTMENT, the final novel in Lois Greiman's "Highland Brides" trilogy, is an irresistible, warm Medieval romance. The enchanting story line is filled with action. The lead protagonists are a witty duo, whose struggle between love and duty adds magic to the novel. Fans of Medieval romance will want to peruse all three novels (see HIGHLAND SCOUNDREL, and THE LADY AND THE KNIGHT) for entertaining historical romances.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
From the moment he first encounters the ravishing sleeping beauty on his land, Ramsay MacGowan is bewitched -- and the tale she spins upon waking convinces him to be her protector. But Anora Fraser's stories of bandits and terror are falsehoods meant to mask a dangerous truth. And though Ramsay has had his fill of beautiful, conniving lassies, he can't resist the exquisite deceiver his strong arms ache to enfold.
Anora is desperate when she tricks Ramsay into escorting her to her home and pretending to be her lover. With no clansman to defend her, she's forced to turn to this courageous scion of the mighty MacGowans to thwart her dreaded marriage to a cruel foe. For proud Anora will surrender to no man -- not even to the bold, brazen highlander whose gentle yet passionate caresses weaken her resolve. But can either defy their own yearning hearts -- or the ancient prophecy that signifies Ramsay as the perfect husband for a Fraser bride?
Customer Reviews:
Pass it by.......2001-09-28
I love a great scottish romance!! Too bad this can't classify as one. I actually liked Anora-she does what she can in a man's world to help her people and save her land. Our hero, Ramsay, however-blah. He was really irritating and he spent half of the book injured. I would have liked to see more of the brothers and parents in parents in it, too. They were much more interesting characters. And the evil character starts out that way but at the end, you're not sure if he still is. And there are a couple of questions left over at the end-how did Ramsay's brothers find them and who was the warrior? It just seemed the author wasn't paying that much attention to the plot.
Deception and magic are featured here........2001-07-08
Who was the mysterious woman who charmed the warrior Ramsay MacGowan? The woman who spun the enchanting tales was Anora Fraser, who needed an escort back to her home at Evermyst. As she and Ramsay take the journey, her stories become more and more outrageous, especially when Anora declares upon arrival at the castle that Ramsay is her lover. With the deception comes the magic, and that's exactly what Lois Greiman spins in her book. Anora may be lying, but the stories are so enchanting that the reader can fall under the same spell that Ramsay has, especially when Anora's reasons for her tall tales are finally discovered. They're surprising, and the audience will find them endearing as well.
GREAT BOOK.......2001-07-02
I wont go into another summary of he book .i loved this book.i also had read the highland flame and enjoyed seeing some of my favorite characters again.i wouldn't want to hear they were not happy and looked really old and not interesting anymore.hey are like old friends.those who enjoyed their story want to hear about them.
i thought ramsey and anora had a great chemistry .i am looking forward to her next book in the series!!!
Ordinary but not Bad.......2001-06-27
The first of Lois Grieman's books that I ever read was The Lady and the Knight and it was wonderful. Ever since that book though, her books have become rather set - each seeming to copy The Lady and the Knight, each doing more poorly every time. The Fraser Bride was no different really from most of her "Highland Brides" books. It consisted of two beautiful people left alone in the wild who fall in love and end up at a castle.
The heroine, Anora (I think that's her name -she wasn't exactly memorable) has this dark secret that she won't tell Ramsey (was that his name? he wasn't particualarly memorable either). So she tells him all these ridiculous lies and supposedly the reader is supposed to feel sorry for her but she just got on my nerves. In the end her dark secret was ridiculous and it wasn't even clear why she wanted to hide it.
It seemed like Ramsey and Anora just fell in love because they were supposed to, there never was really any affection between them.
Oh- and one more thing- Ms. Greiman's obbsession with her characters from other novels in really annoying. She brings them back in the end of all her books and that is bad enough but Ramsey's parents were there this time. "Roderic the Rouge" and "Flanna the Flame" were overdone and silly. Also how old were they? Hmmm. Lets see - they have three adult sons and they still look like they were twenty? It's laughable. Oh yeah- and I could have killed Ms. Greiman after having to read Ramsey's mother reffered to as "The Flame" the thirtieth time. Come on, lay off the characters from previous books, we can't be superhuman forever.
The Fraser Bride was not outstanding, and while it got on my nerves, it was not a terrible book. It you're really, really bored you might as well read it.
Who are we kidding, here.......2001-06-18
A disappointment? No! That would be too kind. This was a poor story, written poorly. I was ready for all of the `fisting' (this apparently being a favorite means of conveying emotion in historical romances), the misguided imaginings (a mainstay of any romance) and the amazing physical perfection of most of the characters (odd, when you know that poor nutrition and poor conditions were rampant). What I was not prepared for was the dangling characters, the ridiculous plans and the `clues' unfollowed and unanswered. These were not mere `red herrings' but had more the stench of `dead herrings'! The female lead is unappealing except for her aledged great beauty and the usual `Kismet' style of chemistry for the lead male (whose `wick' was in an almost constant state of arousal-it must have been most uncomfortable and I had no idea how affective a kilt can be for disguising same!). The peripheral characters make no sense and even by the end of the book it was difficult to know who was friend or foe. `Hooks' were everywhere...people burned as witches (or not), twins (or not), e.s.p. (who said so?) mysterious warriors (or not?), unstoppable barbarians (of course not!), deeply devoted families (we hear tell, but there is no time, apparently, to give us much to go on, there) and happy endings (kind of, I guess, probably, I suppose). Even the love scenes (can we really pretend that we don't look for some good ones in our romances!?!) were rare, lackluster, awkward, unbelievable and unfulfilling for the characters and us. The kicker is the `Love Boat' ending that was completely WHACKED! I don't want to give away the ending, but then I don't think I can, as I'm not sure what it was...the conversations that were supposed to wrap the whole thing up in a bow was missing a few knots. I understand this is one of a series but that is no excuse for leaving the readers of this one in the lurch. Bad, bad, bad!
Customer Reviews:
Pure Magic, 10 Stars If I Could.......2004-01-20
I don't even know where to begin other than to say do not pass this magic by. This one will stir your soul.
This breath-taking story has everything we want from a romance and more. The drama and conflict are heart-wrenching and yet never created by the overdone bitterness & cruelty we often see between our H\H...and when the conflict IS between them it is utterly believable & understandable (as is the love), not some overexaggerated miscommunication. Even the ending has just the right kiss of realism to make us scream for more, and the secondary characters in this story are distinct and 'real', not just room decoration. The touch of the 'otherworld', in my opinion, just puts Ms. English at the head of the class for this effort.
Ahhh, please bring us Malcolm's story and a chance to revisit Jemmy and alyson. This story is not finished yet...
A MUST READ!!.......2002-12-29
I just bought this book this afternoon and it was so good I couldn't put it down until I finished it!! It keeps you on your toes the whole way through. I found myself talking out loud wanting Alyson to reveal what she knew she must to her love Jemmy. It has been a very long time that I have been so engrossed with what I was reading. Truly Amazing!! My hats off to Elizabeth English for taking me on such a splendid adventure! I can't wait to read more books from her.
A wonderful debut novel of love in Scotland.......2002-10-04
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
The Darnleys and Kirallens have been feuding for generations, though no one really remembers what started it all. The members of each clan have been taught their entire lives to hate and destroy the other. Finally Laird Kirallen grows weary of the war and decides it is time for peace. He proposes the marriage of his only remaining son to Darnley's beloved daughter. Darnley grudgingly agrees, but not for the same reasons as Kirallen.
Jemmy Kirallen left home over twelve years ago to go to sea and never expected to return home. Upon receiving word his brother Ian was killed because of the feud, he hastens home to assist his elderly father in ruling the clan. He never expected to be returning to a wedding, especially his own. Jemmy too, is tired of the feud, having left all those years ago to escape it once and for all. He reluctantly goes along with his father's plan, all in the name of peace.
Darnley agreed to the marriage under duress, planning to use it to destroy the Kirallens once and for all. He refuses to marry his darling Maude to the heathen, so he blackmails his illegitimate daughter, Alyson, into posing as Maude and marrying Jemmy. Alyson agrees to it only to save her little brother's life, never expecting to be there for very long... and certainly never anticipating she would fall in love with her husband!
His beautiful new bride intrigues Jemmy, and that reinforces his desire for peace. What he can't understand is her seemingly abrupt personality changes, from ice queen to a woman of fire and passion. Alyson was pleasantly surprised upon meeting her husband and finds herself drawn to him in ways she cannot begin to comprehend. But he can never be hers, for she must continue her charade of pretending to be Maude, even though she grows tired of living a lie. The more she gets to know Jemmy, the more her acting slips and her own personality sneaks out...and the more she longs to tell the truth.
This was an impressive debut effort by Ms. English. Her talent is evident in her ability to weave a remarkable story. Scotland is beautifully rendered with vivid imagery. The web of deceit strung between the characters adds to the tale, as they try to resolve differences and get on with their lives. Jemmy and Alyson's relationship moves along well through the story. Ms. English captures the very spirit of the Scottish people, depicting them very true to the time.
There were a few problems with the book, this first being some very poor editing, which is not the fault of the author. However, it has a tendency to detract from the story in parts. Also, Maude starts to be redeemed a little suddenly in the end and it does not quite seem true to her character. Alistair, Jemmy's foster brother, is far too bitter, and a bit too power hungry. This reviewer is very curious to see how Ms. English will redeem him enough to be a credible hero in her next book, Laird of the Mist, released in January 2002.
Great Story & Plot.......2002-10-01
They had been feuding for years - the Darnley's and the Kirallens. So, when the Kirallen clan captured the heir of the Darnley family the ransom terms would be steep - especially since it was Lord Darnley who had murdered the Kirallen heir, Ian some months back.
Hoping to end the feud, heartsick over the loss of all the innocent lives, the laird of the Kirallen clan negotiated sheep, money, and the hand of Lord Darnley's daughter in marriage to the second Kirallen son, Jemmy.
Lord Darnley agreed to this but deviously would substitute a [different] 'daughter' rather than his beloved daughter Lady Maude. Holding hostage the 8 year old brother of Alyson McClarn, Lord Darnley forced Alyson to pose as Lady Maude for the wedding ceremony, spy on the clan Kirallen until he could effect a massive strike against the Kirallen's.
This was an outstanding story with great writing by this new author. I was so impressed I have ordered the sequel 'Laird of the Mist'. She has fleshed out the characters so very well you really feel kinship with them. I loved the addition of a little paranormal ghost as well. This is a SOLID five star read! This will go on my keeper shelf.
A wonderful Medieval romance set in Scotland........2002-05-26
For generations along the border of England and Scotland, the Darnleys and the Kirallens have fought a bloody feud that has brought nothing but death and destruction to both families. But finally, there is hope for peace. Laird Kirallen has proposed that his only surviving son, Jemmy, marry Darnley's daughter, Maude. Darnley has no choice but to accept, or watch his own son die. But he won't send his beloved Maude to live with the savage, bloodthirsty Kirallens. Instead, he blackmails Alyson, his illegitimate daughter, into taking Maude's place, by holding Alyson's little brother hostage. Neither Jemmy nor Alyson enters into this marriage willingly. Jemmy wishes to return to the sea he loves. Alyson is forced to betray her values and live a lie to save her brother. Against her better judgment, Alyson falls in love with Jemmy, but must hide her feelings to keep up the pretense of being spoiled, haughty Maude. I highly recommend this wonderful Medieval Scottish romance, set in 1375. I can't wait to read the author's other book, which is a sequel to this one.
Book Description
TO FIND A HUSBAND . . .
Determined to find a husband for his stubborn daughter, Shona MacGowan's father has called to his castle Scotland's most eligible clansman. But for Shona, only one stands out: the stranger, Dugald Kinnaird. His raw, masculine power entices Shona, and when he sweeps her into his embrace, she knows her vow to never marry will soon be broken.
But Dugald's true mission is not to marry the bonnie Scottish lass, but to uncover her as the traitor he believes she is. If playing the suitor will get him what he needs then he'll pretend to be eager to wed this high-spirited beauty. But as his passion for Shona becomes stronger, this Highland Scoundrel soon realizes he must choose between love. . .and honor.
Customer Reviews:
Sensational. A wonderfully written romanance........1999-05-11
HIGHLAND SCOUNDREL was my first read of this author. It was such a well written story I must go out and buy the rest of Ms. Greiman's titles. It is the story of a Highland lass who is a bit of a trouble maker (but it's never her fault
)Her father has called all the eligible men in the area to a gathering of sorts. Competing with the other lords is a mysterious DARK STRANGER, named Dugald. He says he is here to claim a bride but Shona(the heroine) thinks he is hiding something. Amiss all the Highland games and courting of Shona is the story of Dragonheart a dragon amulet. Shona and her cousins have made a vow on it and now it winds up in Shona's custody. Someone is out to hurt Shona, is it Dugald? or is it someone who wants her dead for another reason? There is a lot of suspense in the story along with a bit of magic. This is a must read.
I was a bit dissappointed..........1999-01-05
Beware anyone who has not read the first in this series (Highland Brides - The Lady and the Knight) or even the other 3 earlier books!!! I felt the story was brief, and did not flow smoothly. The characters would be doing one thing, and in the next paragraph doing something else...it seemed almost like a non-sequitor. Part of what feeds this problem, is that there was so little description in the story. The charaters just did things, but there was very little attention given to how they were done.
The only character in the story I felt was at all developed was our hero Dugald. Thus saying, he was developed, but the character itself was stretching the realm of realism. China and Japan were a VERY far distance in the late 1500's. Also making the reading uncomfortable was the fact that our heroine was spoiled rotten, or maybe extremely vain is a better description. There were many times I just wanted to smack her (maybe that was Ms. Greiman's intention). And even by the end of the book I found very few qualities to redeem our Shona. I don't like to bash books, because I know the authors take a lot of effort to write them, but I cannot recommend this book.
A good Scootish historical romance.......1998-07-22
In 1519, Lord Roderic MacGowan has decided it is time for his feisty daughter Shona to marry. Over her objections, he invites Scotland's finest bachelors, but she rejects all of them except for Dugald Kinnaird. Somehow, his look makes Shona forget her pledge to never marry. Dugald is on a mission to prove that Shona is a traitor.
He is willing to play the merry suitor if he can find the evidence he needs to condemn Shona. Instead, he finds himself stunned by his overwhelming need for the fiery woman. As he falls in love with her, he begins to believe in her innocence. Dugald is now determined to prove that Shona is innocent of any wrongdoing.
HIGHLAND SCOUNDREL, the second novel in Lois Greiman's "Highland Brides" mini- series, is a great historical romance that brings to vivid life the early sixteenth century Scotland in a way rarely seen in a novel. The lead protagonists are a great pair who struggle to survive in a world where treason is the norm! and political intrigue is a way of life. The secondary characters add depth to a fast-paced, warm tale that will leave genre fans clamoring for book three.
Harriet Klausner
Average customer rating:
- Hey
- For Teenagers
- An unexpected treat!
- Annoying, boring and weak male characterization
- 3.5, OK For a "Dragon" Story
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The Bride and the Beast
Teresa Medeiros
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Medeiros, Teresa | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0553801252
Release Date: 2000-06-06 |
Book Description
Teresa Medeiros makes her hardcover debut in this magnificently sensual and romantic tale filled with passion, humor, and suspense. It is the unforgettable story of two indomitable characters whose love affair is the stuff of which legends are made....
Gwendolyn Wilder did not believe in dragons. But the superstitious villagers of Ballybliss did, and so Gwendolyn found herself bound to a post as a sacrificial offering to the Dragon who haunted the ruins of Castle Weyrcraig. Fifteen years earlier, someone had betrayed the Laird of Weyrcraig and his handsome young heir to the English for a thousand pounds in gold. Now the Dragon was demanding that very amount. The frightened Highlanders hoped that instead of gold, the fair virgin would satisfy the beast's insatiable appetite. As for Gwendolyn, she never doubted that the so-called Dragon was a fraud. She knew there was a perfectly good explanation for the mysterious lights seen flickering in the crumbling castle and the unsettling sound of bagpipes drifting through the glens. But as she waited for whoever-or whatever-to claim his prize, she could not help trembling as a furious storm lashed about her...and she saw what appeared to be dark wings and a stream of silver smoke emerge from the shadows. Rumor had it that the Dragon could take the form of a man, and so he did with Gwendolyn-a man who would not show her his face. He carried her into his lair and made her his prisoner, his pampered pet. And while she didn't expect to be eaten by the fire-breathing Dragon of Weyrcraig, neither did she expect to be warmed by his sensuous caresses or devoured by his passionate kisses.
The Dragon had demanded gold and the fools had given him this golden-haired maiden. She was the very last thing he expected-and now there was no way he could let her go. She could never know that he was no monster but a flesh-and-blood man who had just laid eyes on the one woman who could slay him. Still, this supremely handsome man of devastating virility was more dangerous than any dragon. He would take it upon himself to enchant the practical Gwendolyn as she had enchanted him. He would weave a spell of sensuous magic around her that would defy all her commonsense notions and tempt her to believe in something even more unlikely than dragons and more powerful than the past that threatened them both-true love.
Customer Reviews:
Hey.......2007-07-14
Though the book is well written but I found that the story is rather mundane. A village girl is sacrificed to a dragon who isn't a dragon at all, just a man thought long dead, a man that she happens to have had a crush on and they live happily ever after. There were no surprises and I just found the book lacking what the coverlet described. Sorry.
For Teenagers.......2007-07-12
After reading the first 100 pages of this book, I came to the conclusion this book was written for teenagers,and young teenagers at that, and am mystified by all of the 4 and 5 star reviews.
An unexpected treat!.......2007-07-10
I was browsing the shelves at my library looking for a fun, summer read and found this one! It was wonderful! I couldn't put it down until I finished it at 3:30 the next morning, and I have to say that I was disappointed that I finished it so quickly. Medeiros is a new writer to me and I have now started searching out her other work. She is such a talent in the vein of Deveraux. She gives her characters intelligence that are reflected in their sometimes unexpected reactions to situations. I've read plenty of romances and when one comes along that sends my usual expectations into a spiral, I am thrilled.
Annoying, boring and weak male characterization.......2007-06-02
My second Teresa Medeiros novel THE BRIDE AND THE BEAST follows a thoroughly entertaining find, CHARMING THE PRINCE. Unlike CHARMING THE PRINCE however, I didn't enjoy THE BRIDE AND THE BEAST at all; in fact, I hated it, and its admirable attempts at humor and vivid settings missed the mark by a wide margin. I found THE BRIDE AND THE BEAST a rather annoying look at outward appearances, highlighting a woman's insecurities about her plump, chubby bearing, something the townsfolk view as fat, and yet predictably, something our well-muscled, handsome hero views as generously curved.
When I wasn't annoyed by the novel, I was bored by the rest of it. The bulk of the middle portions, a good 150-200 pages, was insanely boring, especially after the town folk offer the heroine to the Dragon. There's nothing going on there. Nothing at all.
The ending crosses its t's and dots its i's in an out-and-out heroine-taming-the-tortured-soul routine. Fifteen years of biding his time for revenge dissipates like it never existed, watching his parents murdered, now an entirely forgettable experience in the face of the heroine's uncompromising wishes. The taming in question involves more of an emasculation than anything else. When an old woman (Izzy) holds an ax to him towards the end threatening he marry the heroine before taking her, like a gentleman he happily consents. In all matters, there's no real male character here, he bequeathes everything about him, and I mean everything to the wishes and whims of others. Among books I've read, BRIDE AND THE BEAST's hero Bernard now ties PRICE OF PLEASURE's Grant in the dubious honor as the weakest and most annoying feminine "hero" I've ever read.
Although we can't see our hero's face in the beginning, it's clear he's muscled, and I found his lusting over our heroine's ample and plump assets very annoying. Whether it's town folk ridiculing her corpulence or her own self-deprecating referrals to her portliness, we're reminded again and again of the insecurities of our heroine's appearance.
These reminders about our heroine's insecurities I don't have so much of a problem with.
I do have a problem with a chiseled, handsome guy =instantly= and incessantly lusting after a rather plump woman, while bearing the brunt of her rather "witty" and condemning expletives, and enjoying it. There's no natural progression to this unfathomable lust on the hero's part at all, it's instant. And he gaily accepts her barbs all the while! I understand the book reads more as a fairy tale than anything else, but I just couldn't get past this intense and immediate lusting on the hero's part. It required too much of a suspension of disbelief.
As much we like to deny it, appearance forms the foundation of an attraction and cements it, but you'd never know from this novel. There's a reason why a vast majority of romance heroes are tall, dark and handsome, right? Our hero certainly fits the requisite appearance stereotype in romance novels: tall, broad-shouldered, chiseled, dark and handsome. Appearances matter!
When our plump heroine mistakes our hero's friend Theodore Tuppingham (Tupper) as the Dragon, she scoffs at Tupper's wide girth, heavy belly and balding hairline, finding him unworthy. So it's disparaging and insulting when the heroine is viewed as such, but perfectly okay when the heroine views another guy as such? Nothing better than the pot calling the kettle black.
After our hero's friend Theodore Tuppingham chances on the disheveled dishabille of our heroine's younger sister Kitty, Tupper instantly lusts after Kitty as well. Again, this secondary and meaningless pairing represents another play on appearances, just switch the genders. I should have known only a secondary pairing would allow a plump man paired with a beautiful woman. In this case, our under-average looking Tupper finds Kitty irresistible, even though Kitty's disheveled clothes clearly betrays a recent tryst. Any normal guy -- even one ample-girthed - would find such an compromising condition on a woman a huge turn-off considering another man's scent and marks in obvious display on the woman. Not Tupper though, he's flattered Kitty mistakes him as the Dragon as well, and he delicately kisses Kitty's hand. Yuck, don't want to know where that hand has just been! At least let her wash first ha!
As much I enjoyed Medeiros' twist on a classic fairy tale in CHARMING THE PRINCE, I'm loathe to try her other two books I've blindly checked out from the library. Especially after reading this horrible novel. Certainly, CHARMING THE PRINCE's hero was altogether forgettable, but at least he wasn't so bad, so annoying, so emasculated.. as BRIDE AND THE BEAST's Bernard.
The Story, SPOILERS.
Town folk offer portly but virginal Gwendolyn Wilder to a dragon beast preying on them in hopes of appeasing him and lifting a curse which alludes to innocence offered in blood. The town folk, infinitely too smart for their own good, presume the virginal blood of our plump heroine Gwendolyn will satisfy the curse. The Dragon Bernard MacCullough didn't ask for a human sacrifice though, he was looking for someone to come forward with the gold they earned as repayment for betraying the MacCullough laird 15 years ago and causing the deaths of his mother and father. He wanted revenge.
Our tall, dark and handsome Bernard is instantly smitten with lust for Gwendolyn's plump body. How? Why? Huh? Whatever, you got me. The book devolves at this point into a series of boring encounters between our leading pair as Bernard holds Gwendolyn as his prisoner in his decrepit castle. Bernard is very noble for a beastly dragon though, never taking advantage of her and then just letting her be, giving her the opportunity to escape.
After the town folk discover that the dragon preying on them isn't really a true dragon, they arrive with torches and weapons ready to kill. Then they discover the true identity of the mysterious Dragon, and Gwendolyn deeply resents Bernard for it. She acts like a spoiled brat just because he didn't tell her who he really was from the beginning and pouts for 3 months over it, gaining some more weight in the process. I didn't understand the behavior and the explanation for it seemed nonsensical.
But such is the story focused on taming the hero. When will authors realize that revenge plots are much more interesting than the weak saving-the-hero's-tortured-soul routine? I'd like to see a romance novel heroine actually help a hero's revenge plot for once. Just once. Would make for an interesting twist in and of itself, and would be so nice to see the leading pair working with each other for a change.
The end quickly turns into a desiccation of the hero's will and personality. He submits, cowers (against Izzy), and hops, skips and jumps into the arms of our heroine. Nothing is left of the hero even remotely worth mentioning or admiring. And I mean nothing. This isn't saving a soul so much as it is stripping the soul from our hero.
3.5, OK For a "Dragon" Story.......2007-05-17
This is another one of the odd stories. This book focuses on a "dragon". I didn't really like it very much. Seemed a little too stange. I didn't like the characters.
Book Description
Lachlan MacGown has been long suspicious of the mysterious warrior "Hunter" and when he discovers that "he" is a she, Lachlan couldn't be more stunned...or delighted! But no matter how lovely the lass is, he's seen her conferring with an enemy of his clan, and he doesn't trust her an inch. Especially when she takes a job as nursemaid to that enemy's young children. So Lachlan appoints himself her escort, refusing to leave her side 執hich makes for very interesting days...and nights!
Customer Reviews:
A woman who can hold her own.......2007-09-21
Finally a book about a woman who can wield a sword just as well as men, who is intelligent - outwitting the men. I love books where in a time when women were viewed as property, they shine out as being equal or even better to their male counterparts. It's a great read. Ending went a little too quickly.
the annoying warrior bride.......2004-10-29
The hero of the story is fantastic, the heroine leaves alot to be desired. The story is a little far-fetched (woman poses as a male warrior and no one figures it out until she's naked?)
'Hunter' is a cold, undeveloping character. It was hard to believe that he fell in love with her or that she even liked him.
I enjoyed reading this book..........2003-02-24
...but it took a long time to reach the plot (page 260, chapter 19, to be exact). The characters were interesting - at times, humorous - but the heart of the story lies within the last few chapters. I would have liked to have seen the suspense and action carried throughout the tale, not just the conclusion. Too much time is spent on the heroine's journey from Point A to Point B.
engaging sixteenth century Scottish romance.......2002-11-05
In 1535 during a battle between Scottish clans, the mysterious warrior Hunter saves the life of an unconscious Lachlan "Rouge Fox" MacGowan. Lachlan's brothers tease him as how tenderly Hunter carried him from the battlefield to the safety of Evermyst as if they were lovers. Even though he resents owing anyone anything, Lachlan, vowing to pay his debt, wants to thank the warrior who probably saved his life.
In 1536 Lachlan still owes the Hunter, who rejects everything the Rogue Fox offers. Lachlan has become intrigued with the warrior and swears he will learn the secret of this great fighter. When he does uncover the secret he is shocked beyond belief, but beginning to understand his fascination with the Hunter while he observes the warrior talking with an enemy while evil stalks Evermyst.
THE WARRIOR BRIDE may be the strongest of Lois Greiman's Scottish romances as the cast makes for quite an exciting tale. The Hunter is a wonderful warrior with secrets that will surprise the audience. Lachlan is obsessive to make remittance to his savior until he uncovers the secret and changes his obsession. The secondary characters add depth to a tale that will provide much satisfaction to readers of sixteenth century romances.
Harriet Klausner
Books:
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Hot Number (Hot Zone, Book 2)
- Hot Stuff
- It Had to Be You
- Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Kitty Norville Series, Book 1)
Books Index
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