Customer Reviews

Highland Champion (Zebra Historical Romance)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I pre-ordered this book back in September, and was so excited when it arrived. Liam Cameron has been one of my favorite characters in several of Ms. Howell's previous books, so I was thrilled to see him get his own book. And it was true to his character, right down to his cousin Sigimor's prophesy that he would "pay" for all his playing around with women when the time came for him to settle down in wedded bliss. Liam has finally found his "fit," the "right" woman for him, Keira Murray McKail. It took a near deadly beating to find her, but that is what it took, so that is okay. The only problems are one, she doesn't believe he will remain faithful to her due to his past history AND due to the fact that a married woman who claims he was a lover is chasing him all over the place. Two, Keira, already believes herself unattractive to men because her first husband had some severe problems (can't give too much away here!). Three, Keira has to save her deceased husband's people and lands from a man who has taken them and delights in causing pain and misery. Keira barely escaped with her life, after watching him slowly kill her husband. Liam wants to woo Keira, and win her love, but with all these problems he just doesn't have the time! The only thing that works for him is that after spending a month together in a cottage while Liam healed from his wounds, marriage to Keira is the only way to save her good name. He's thrilled, she's not, but he hasn't lost his skills, and the passion is high and hot between the two of them. This is a good story! It has more dialogue, and less sword fighting than some of her other stories, but for the most part, I found this perfectly acceptable, and in fact, just right for these two characters. At times it moved a bit slowly, but only because I was expecting a little more action. Once I got used to Keira's "thinking" and Liam's obvious responses, I liked it. It really makes for some wonderful, humorous scenes! I really enjoyed some of the side characters, especially Kester and Meggie, and hope they get their own book(s) some day! Thanks again, Ms. Howell, for another wonderful, well-thought out romance, not just another plug in new names, and change the dates. I look forward to June 2006, and "Highland Lover!"

This story pulled me in right away. But my only problem here is that Hannah Howell writes them talking in a very thick accent. The characters should have an accent. But, as this was written, it was very hard at times to even get an idea of what the characters were saying. I like to read characters with an accent but I think she has taken it to an extreme. I stopped reading after two chapters. I read romance novels for pure enjoyment. But, since this book was giving me a headache, it got bumped to the back of my stack of books that I want to read.
Maybe I will pick it up again someday and give it another shot.

What makes Highland Champion so very good is the wonderful hero Liam. He is generous, kind, good natured, handsome and above all honorable. He really shines in every scene. His heroine, Keira is a good lead, self sacrificing and charitable but she pales in comparison to Liam's mighty presence.

These two meet in a monastery. Both are recovering from injuries. Liam has been beaten and Keira has barely escaped with her life after her husband is killed by an evil man who has taken over her castle. Keira has the healing touch and she becomes Liam's nurse. The two quickly become friends and Keira confides in Liam that she has every intention of going back to reclaim her late husband's castle and rescue her people.

She does not have a good plan though and Liam knows she needs a champion to assist her. These two have an interesting romance because Keira is uncertain of herself with Liam because he is so very attractive. He has women literally chasing him across Scotland and he has not led a monk's life. Her uncertainty about their relationship is believable not only because of Liam's looks but she also has a past which has robbed her of her self esteem.

Liam is patient with Keira but at the same time he defends himself most vehemently from charges laid against him by love struck women. He is so very charming that Keira cannot help but fall in love with him. At times he could be a little bossy but he also recognized this fault too. Keira is by no means perfect. She can be impetuous and suffers from needless guilt but fortunately Liam's wise words heal Keira's conscious. This novel is almost a five star story (parts move a little slowly), Keira and Liam make a very charming couple.

I thought the book started out o.k. until halfway through the book where it just became bland. The characters, especially the main two- Keira and Laim- are interesting, along with some of the plot. Halfway, though, after the wedding night, it just felt like the attraction became lukewarm between Liam and Keira and that's when I started losing interest. I couldn't finish the book, unfortunately. If you're extremely interested in the plot- saving a small village from a cruel invader which takes a while to get there- then, by all means, this book is for you. For me, I'll just pass.

If you like reading about the Highlands and romance and passion, you will love reading this book.

I agree with another reviewer, the Scottish brogue made this book too hard to read. I don't want to have to try to decipher what the characters are saying. Too much work on my part. This was a negative for me.

The story was good enough but bogged down in the middle. The characters were the best part of the story. I Liked Liam and thought Keira was a good match for him.

This was my first book by Howell. Someone had left it at a bach condo where we were staying this summer. I pikced it up to read it since I had never read anything by her. I don't I'll read another.

In 1475 Scotland, Kiera Murray MacKail is forced to flee her home when Castle Ardgleann is overtaken by Ralf Mouwbray, who killed her spouse. She manages to reach a nearby monastery where her cousin Brother Matthew tends a wounded warrior Liam Cameron. As a gifted healer Kiera takes over caring for the patient.

When he recovers, Liam, in gratitude, agrees to escort Keira to his home where he is bound anyway. However, traveling without a chaperon for weeks, their families demand the couple wed. Liam accepts his fate having expected it, but Keira is reluctant as she knows he will discover her secret on their wedding night; she remains a virgin though a widow. As they mount a counter assault to regain Ardgeleann, they both quietly realize they love their spouse, but neither wants to be the first to say so out of fear of rejection.

Hannah "Highland" Howell provides a strong fifteenth century Scottish romance that her fans will enjoy while rooting for the lead couple to make it together and to defeat the enemy that has taken over her castle. Readers will wonder why she is a married virgin as Ms. Howell once again entertains her audience with a fine Highland historical tale.

Harriet Klausner

Hannah Howell was my first experience with historical romantic fiction...specifically 15th century Scotland. To say I was hooked would be a profound understatement. In the period of two weeks I bought ever book by Mrs Howell with the word Highland in the title. (a rough estimate was about 20 novels) The language was fluid but authentic yet didn't take away only added to the story. Especially the dialogue...who could have thought that words like...aye, wee, lass, bonnie and nay could be so enjoyable? While the main premise of the story is historical romance there are "wee" sprinklings of paranormal...which is my genre of choice. Mrs. Howell also does my favorite thing to find in books, characters that span several books.First as the protagonists then as secondaries in others. In the Highlands they are kinsmen or clan members. Loved it so much. Buy it you won't be sorry.

Ordered this for my sister and she loves it. She is into this era and type of book and says it is GREAT