Customer Reviews

Highland Captive

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was really surprised by this book as it didn't take the normal path of so many other romance books.There is actually character,hardship,and after marriage relationships to be enjoyed. Even more surprising is the male lead specifically knows what characteristics and qualities he admires and loves in the woman. There isn't Hot sex now we are in "love". No this is a rare find and worth the read. The author works the relationship with both characters, and no worries the romance is plenty Hot!
The discription of the book does not do it justice and there are MANY ups and downs to be had. The villian is truely evil and he comes back again and again.
First our fair lady is captured. Then she is to marry another who happens to be a Sadistic SICKO, her father seemingly has turned from her as if he doesn't care, and if that's not enough... her captor wants her horse!!! I promise I doesn't end there, that's just the begining. This is a good read and I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

After Aimil Mengue and her brother Leith were captured by Artair MacGuin and thrown in a dungeon, Aimil thought the worst had happened to them. She was wrong. Artair's brother, Parlan MacGuin is the laird of Dubhglenn. When he discovers Aimil and Leith he is furious. Although Aimil and Leith remain captives, Parlan treats them much better. Intrigued by Aimil and her magnificent horse Elfking, Parlan decides to keep them for a while. While Parlan enjoys the company of his captive, another man stews in his hatred for having lost his future bride. Aimil is betrothed to Rory Fergueson and he will stop at nothing to take back what belongs to him.

Highland Captive is a re- release of Hannah Howell's Elfking's Lady. Highland Captive is a traditional Scottish romance where kidnappings are the norm and falling for ones sexy captor seems inevitable. Parlan is a rogue in every sense and Aimil is very innocent yet full of fire. Their story takes many turns often leading them to similar fates. The one constant in Highland Captive is the Parlan and Aimil's intense attraction and desire for each other. Although they often fight for their love, and their lives, the chemistry between them remains strong. Highland Captive is a story filled with passion, feeling, and tradition.

Please note: Highland Captive was previously re-released under the title of ElfKing's King.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

It has been awhile since I read this book, as it is indeed a reprint ( and renaming) of "Elfking's Lady." It is a bit slow in the first few pages, but once Aimil is abducted, the pace picks up. Aimil has been betrothed to Rory Fergueson since she was in the cradle. The problem is that she dislikes him, and has heard very bad things about him. So has her brother Leith. But her father is determined on the wedding, no matter what. For some reason, Aimil's father has pretty much turned his back on Aimil completely. When Aimil started to mature physically, she began to look more and more like her deceased mother, and her father became more and more withdrawn and cold toward Aimil.

Enter the MacGuin's. Parlan is the head of the family, and has a younger, much more rash brother, Artair. He captures Aimil and Leith, and nearly succeeds in killing both, especially Leith. Parlan is furious! The only saving grace is that Aimil's prize horse, Elfking, is also captured. Parlan is thrilled to have such a fine horse to add to his stable. The only drawback is that Aimil appears to be the only one that can control Elfking, nor will she willingly walk away from her beloved horse!

As the story develops, of course the relationship also does between Aimil and Parlan, brought together through Elfking. Artair isn't quite done messing things up, but he isn't the bad guy here, just the stupid one! When we get to know Rory Fergueson, skin truly crawls! He is so twisted and evil, and so determined to have his way, you keep wondering if he will indeed succeed in at least some of his goals.

There are some good plot twists that I didn't see coming in this one. If Ms. Howell and/or the publisher haven't cut the book from the original, it is a good, strong story of love overcoming many obstacles, and surviving many hardships and tragedies. Both Aimil and Parlan come into the story as strong characters, who have already survived many hard things. They are drawn to each other because of their love for Elfking, and horses, but also because of their similar values and beliefs. They compliment each other nicely.

If you are a Hannah Howell fan, you will love this book. If you are like me, and your copy of "Elfking's Lady is a bit tattered and torn, you will rejoice in the opportunity to get a nice new shiny one! If you are a first time Hannah Howell reader, I might recommend some of her others, depending on your individual tastes, but this is still a good, solid example of her writing, especially of her early books. So take a chance if you love good romance, don't mind a lot of written Scottish brogue, and love to sigh happily at the end of a book!

The book didn't start off bad but towards the end it seemed like the writer was trying to push the story out 84 more pages than it needed to be with the two love birds playing games of "you are going say I love you first" and a bad guy who should have been taken care of earlier

Another thing I could stand was the hero of the story. He seemed to me as childish with his worrying about his looks and wanting the heroine to say that she loves him first.

In 1500 in Scotland, Aimil and her brother Leith are riding the moors when the ferocious MacGuin clan captures them. Their leader Black Parlan holds the siblings for ransom as he expects her betrothed and her family to pay a fortune, and plans to make her horse Elfking his. Aimil is frightened of the Laird because of the rumors of his dining on babies. However, except for his desire to steal her steed, she quickly finds her warden is a caring leader; nothing at all like his reputation claims.

Aimil refuses to give him her beloved horse as he demands. He understands the love of a good horse so he offers her an alternative choice; she replaces her horse as his ride. As they battle to love, her fiancé plots to kidnap her and his former lover unites with Aimil's former intended.

This is a reprint of an early 1990s novel (called ELFKING'S LADY) that showcases Hannah Howell's talent before she became the Queen of Highland historicals. The lead couple is a fun entry ad their gender war over her horse is amusing but turns warm when they kiss. Although the villains should have known better than to try an abduction with Parlan's reputation; fans of the author will enjoy one of her fine earlier tales.

Harriet Klausner

It has been many months since I read the book, but I remember really plunging into this story line. I enjoyed Aimil and Parlan's characters and chemistry very much, wish just the right amount of humor and side stories to keep it rolline and not one-note. I would recommend this book to any Romance reader.

I've read other Hannah Howell books and enjoyed them more. This book really dragged on. There were what felt like multiple climaxes to the book, but it just kept going and going. It also included a character with diviant sexual proclivities that I don't necessarily appreciate which made it more difficult to read.

The hero was angry as the man who attacked the heroin yet the "Hero" tells her to strip to show him how old she was and plans to have her himself. He tries to bully her into accepting him in her bed.

All of Hannah Howell's books are witty, engaging, intriguing and sexy! Love them and love her! Keep writing those awesome Highland Stories! I can't get enough! Thanks Hannah!!!!

While out riding Aimil Mengue and her brother Leith are taken captive by a feuding clan. Although she has no injuries, her brother does, and she worries that he might die if nothing is done soon.

When Parlan McGuin returns to his home, he finds out his brother has taken two hostages. He is notably furious. Parlan immediately releases the hostages, gets medical care for Leith, and leaves the 'lad' with him. Everything seems fine, until an escape attempt reveals 'the handsome lad' is a bewitching young woman. He gives her a choice: he will take her horse, or she can join him in his bed.

Aimil doesn't even take time to consider. She has hand-raised her horse, Elfking, from his birth and will not give him up. Her attraction to Parlan is elemental, and she knows this might be her only chance to experience real passion before she is married to Rory.

From there on out is a game of ransom for the two Parlan holds. He is drawn to Aimil, and worries over her betrothal to a man who is known to be malevolent, but so far without proof. He plans to make certain the marriage never occurs. How he can accomplish this, he hasn't decided for certain yet.

Their progressive relationship is a pleasure to watch, even as evil stalks them. Although his reputation as a warrior is formidable, he is gentle with her. She is a heroine to cheer for; her spirit is unquenchable. A love is born between them that cannot be destroyed no matter the challenges. Very highly recommended!